Following their bag pack at Sainsbury's are from right to left, Aaron Kirk, Claire McQuillian of Sainsbury's and Norman Graham. US33-736SP

LISBURN men Norman Graham and Aaron Kirk are preparing to embark on the adventure of a life-time when they participate in Action Cancer's Himalayas and Taj Mahal Trek to raise funds for the cancer charity next April.

Norman, 43, and Aaron, 35, will join a group of 30 trekkers who will venture through the foothills of the Himalayas on the 10-day trek.

Norman said: "I got involved when Aaron mentioned it to me. He was looking to do something like this and so was I, so when he mentioned it we decided to go for it.

"It's for a good cause and we can raise lots of money. Action Cancer is a local charity and with their early detection services they make a lot of difference, prevention is better than a cure."

Participating in the challenge is both a physical and financial challenge for Norman and Aaron as not only will they have to build their fitness levels, they also have a goal of �3,000 each to raise.

The pair have already raised some money by holding football nights during the World Cup, bag packing at Sainsbury's, which raised �615 and at the moment they are selling ballot tickets with eight prizes to be won.

They have also written letters to local businesses asking for their support to help them reach their �6,000 target.

Money raised from the Himalayas and Taj Mahal Trek will go towards Action Cancer's lifesaving cancer prevention services, therapeutic support services and early detection services in Northern Ireland.

Norman commented, "At the minute we are trying to sell tickets for the draw and we are waiting on some replies to the letters we have written. Supervalu Lisburn have agreed to sponsor us and our bag packing went very well.

"Between the two of us we have raised �2,400 so far and we have a couple of events planned for October, with a quiz night and a card making night." He continued, "We are very keen to hear from sponsors. Our target is �6,000 but if we can pass it so much the better.

"We have to have 80% of the money in by the end of November and the rest at the end of January but we are trying to get it early to concentrate on the fitness."

Norman and Aaron have been busy doing just that, using various methods to prepare for the physical demands of the trip.

Norman commented, "If anyone sees two men walking up White Mountain carrying bags it will be us. I've also been running and we are going to start walking in the Mournes this weekend.

"I'm excited, but I'm a bit nervous about getting the money, as well as the experience. We'll probably find out a lot about ourselves on the journey. We're not going to have the same home comforts but it's definitely worth putting the effort in." Norman and Aaron would like to thank the staff and management of Johnson Brothers of Lisburn, David Morrow of Supervalu Lisburn, Sainsbury's Sprucefield and their customers for their support.

If you feel you could sponsor or support Norman and Aaron in any way, please contact Norman on 0777180647