Cousins plan biggest challenge of their lives

Clair Booth and her cousin Karen Fairhurst

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A Rochdale woman and her cousin have decided to take on what could be the biggest challenge of their lives, helping to raise money for the Princes Trust.

Clair Booth, 25, from Milnrow and her cousin Karen Fairhurst, 27, from Shaw are going to be participating in an exhilarating five day challenge trekking the Great Wall of China.

Taking on this physically demanding journey Clair and Karen will trek over 80km in five days in October in the Women’s Leadership China Challenge.

The initial idea for the trek was Karen’s, and then Clair decided it would an experience of a lifetime and decided to join her cousin.

“I have never done anything like this before, initially I was just going to help Karen to raise some awareness and help with the fundraising but then I thought, oh my god, this sounds amazing and a challenge of a lifetime,” said Clair.

Clair added: “I can’t wait to do it, I am a very active person and I am looking forward to the challenge and being in a different environment.”

Unfortunately Karen couldn’t be present for the interview due to illness but Clair said they have the right balance, “Karen is more like a best friend than a cousin to me and I think we have got the right balance when it comes to taking part. I am worrying about the fundraising side of things and Karen is worrying about the physical side of it so we both keep each other calm and encourage one another.

Before the challenge in October Clair and Karen have another challenge, to raise the money to make the dream a reality.

They are currently in the process of raising money for the trek and over the next few months Clair and Karen will be holding a range of charity events to help their pledged amount which is £3,500 each.

Over half of the money raised goes directly to the Princes Trust and Clair said she really wants to raise awareness for the charity. 

“We like to ask anybody who can help to support us to do so. We will do whatever it takes to raise enough money to go, if any businesses out there can support us that would be a great help.”

Over the last few weeks Clair has done a weekly car boot sale and met all her targets and in the summer Clair and Karen are organising some joint events such as, curry nights, a women’s charity ball and a giant balloon race.

Clair added: “I have really enjoyed the fundraising so far. I have never done anything like this before so it is something different and I am enjoying organising my own events.”

The ladies first event is on the 12 June 2010, at 7.30pm, at the Wine Press at Hollingworth Lake where there will be a big screen for the England match, along with supper and music. Tickets are £10.00.

If you would like to support Clair and Karen in the trek which could help change young lives please visit:

http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=314548