YELLOW Door restaurant manager Nani Oliveira will be swapping the convivial surroundings of the Portadown eaterie for a trek through the rainforests of Brazil in June.
Portuguese-born Nani is taking part in the Action Cancer trek to raise money for the Northern Ireland charity.
He has already raised more than £1,000 through generous donations from customers, and is hoping to meet his target of £3,000.
Said Na
ni, “I have worked in Northern Ireland for 13 years and now I feel it’s time to do something to help diagnose and prevent cancer here, as I have felt so welcome over these years.
“I think cancer is a disease that touches everyone and the good thing is that the money raised is being spent in Northern Ireland. Action Cancer runs a mobile cancer unit, as well as early detection clinics for men and women, among other services.”
The trek along the Gold Trail - a trail built by slaves in the early 18th century to bring gold down to the coast - will include trekking for 25 km for five days on very hilly terrain and along jungle paths, with only the most basic of accommodation available during the 10-day trip.
Participants will be rewarded, however, with stunning views of the rainforest and its wildlife as well as waterfalls and coastlines.
Nani, who has worked as the Yellow Door’s restaurant manager for seven years, has started training for the challenge, described by the organisers as a “tough trek”.
When he returns, a different but possibly greater challenge awaits, as he is due to become a father to twins!
DISPLAY
Collection boxes are on display in the Yellow Door and anyone who wished to support Nani’s trek can do so.
Nani also wishes to thank everyone who has made a donation so far.
The full article contains 313 words and appears in Portadown Times newspaper.
