Phab-ulous effort for charity trekkers

First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan have paid tribute to four trekkers who are on a charitable fund raising world trip to raise money for Phab NI.

Mr Trimble said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the four intrepid travellers who are travelling around the world in 80 ways. I am delighted that they decided to include Northern Ireland in their round-the-world journey and that Phab NI will benefit from any funding raised.”

Mr Durkan added: “An adventure like this shows what can be achieved through determination and strong will. Teamwork is an essential element in any project and I offer best wishes to the adventurers and to the project team for the successful completion of this trip.”

What makes the trip different is that the adventurers are travelling around the world using 80 different forms of transport, including a Roman chariot in Scotland and elephant trekking in India.

In addition to fundraising, the trip is meant to raise awareness of what can be achieved by people with disabilities. The trip is made more difficult by the fact that all four adventurers, Robin Dunseath, Mike MacKenzie, Miles Hilton-Barber and Caroline Casey, are disabled.

Phab, which is celebrating its 45th birthday this year, is a national charity dedicated to promoting and encouraging the coming together, on equal terms, of disabled and non-disabled people to achieve an integrated and inclusive society. Their province is comparatively large, with over 8 million disabled people or 14.2% of the population.

(GMcG)