Lisa takes up the Kilimanjaro challenge

Lisa Boyle is set to take part in Oxfam Ireland's Climb Kilimanjaro 2011and help to make a difference to people's lives in some of the most needy parts of the world.

Lisa (26) explained: “I am living and working in Belfast during the week for a Telecoms company called Clarity Telecom as Hardware Provisioning Manager. I am also studying part-time for a HNC in business and IT. As you can imagine my week is quite full but when I saw the Oxfam poster for Kilimanjaro back in August I couldn't resist.

“I called them up the next day, went to a meeting and signed up. Although I have never done something like this before their story really

swayed me. The money we raise for this trip is not for any specific cause, it is used for any emergencies or when and where it is needed

most. The Pakistan emergency at the moment is an excellent example. On the trip we also get to see what the charity is doing in Tanzania.

“This is a real challenge but I am not the only one taking it on, there will be a group of 30 of us including people from Northern Ireland and the Republic. As part of the trip you need to be physically fit, get all the jabs, take malaria tablets etc so it is a high demand on your

body. I have started training at the gym but there will be a few trips up and down Knocklayde and the Mournes before I'm ready! We will be camping on the mountain for nine nights, this will be a new experience for me! The closest I have come to this is a night in a tent in my family back yard as a kid.

“Unfortunately there is no guarantee that I will make the top. Altitude sickness affects different people. You could be the most fit and

healthy member of the team and be crippled by the sickness. Luckily there are doctors on stand by. I will not give in easily and I am

determined to make it!”

Aiming to raise around 5,000, Lisa continued: “By donating money, people will be helping Oxfam make a tremendous difference to people's lives in some of the most needy parts of the world. Even if you can only give a few pounds it would be much appreciated.

“I have started my fundraising but it is in small steps. At the Lammas Fair I had a jumble sale and I was really encouraged to see members of the local community come and support me. In the coming months I will be arranging some events in Ballycastle including a pub quiz. I would love to see the town out for a night that will hopefully raise some money for Oxfam and be great craic!

“If anyone would like to sponsor me they can do so at the following link: https://netbel.oxfamireland.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=386&frsid=362

“I will also be regularly updating this page with event dates, photographs and there is a countdown to the climb.”