Claire gets ready for Grand Canyon trek

The pair will set off on their hugely worthwhile challenge in May of next year and have already begun training preparations and fundraising for their trip.

Claire and Phil's motivation for taking up the Grand Canyon Challenge came as a result of the support Phil's family received from the NICFC following his youngest son James' diagnosis with a malignant brain tumour in April 2008 at the age of two.

Since James' diagnosis, the entire Bannatyne family has benefited enormously from the services provided by the NICFC. As well as the practical and emotional support that they have received from the charity, they have received financial support through its Road Miles and Home Heating Schemes and have also benefited from a stay at NICFC'S Shimna Valley House.

"The charity has been a great support to Phil, his wife Aundrea, James and his brother Jack and it will continue to support them, so we decided that we just wanted to give something back to the charity that has helped them so much," Claire explained.

"We've started training already, just doing a bit of walking, but we'll build it up in the gym and then do some walks in the Mournes to get us ready for the challenge," the 34-year-old, who works for Punjana Tea, added.

As well as the physically demanding side to their challenge, involving 16-mile treks each day in temperatures of over 100F, Claire and Phil will have to raise over 6,000 in funds for NICFC.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Claire and Phil can log on to their webpage - www.justgiving.com/Aundrea-Bannatyne0 - where donations can be made directly to the NI Cancer Fund for Children. Alternatively, anyone interested in taking part in the Grand Canyon Challenge should contact Dawn on 9080 5599 or email [email protected]