BY AUSTIN LYNCH

A trip to Kenya in Africa must surely be viewed by many people as the holiday destination of a lifetime.

For many years, Kenya has been one of the world's most popular destinations for people looking to go on safari and experience this country's wildlife at first hand.

But, one Fermanagh couple have other things than wildlife on their minds and, rather than going there on holiday, they are currently in training to undertake a tough charity trek through one of the most magical countries in the world.

Frank and Ena McGowan from outside Tamlaght have signed up to take part in Trek Kenya, a fund-raising challenge organised by the Ulster Cancer Foundation. Ena explained that they first heard the Trek advertised on Downtown Radio they liked the sound of it.

Over the years, she explained, they had often talked about maybe going on safari, but they never seemed to find the time to get around to going. So, when the couple heard about this trek they thought it would suit them perfectly.

Frank and Ena are already keen walkers and, when not out walking Sam (the dog)they are members of Fermanagh Ramblers and Hillwalkers. So, they both have already a good general level of fitness and are used to walking distances over rough or uneven ground.

During the trek, they will be expected to walk for between 7 - 8 hours per day and cover distances up to 20 miles per day over the eight days of the trek. But, as well as the distance, they have to cover, they also have to consider that the weather will be hot out there, which will add an extra dimension to the challenge.

Frank and Ena will join 40 other people from Northern Ireland when they travel to Nairobi on 7th July for the start of their African challenge / adventure. The trek will bring the participants along the extinct volcanoes of the Rift Valley in Kenya and through Hells Gate National Park, one of the few parks in Kenya where it is possible to trek.

Frank and Ena will be walking up to eight hours a day to help raise funds for local people affected by cancer. But, the challenge doesn't end here, for, after a long day's trek in this vast savannah expanse the walkers will be camping out under African skies and experiencing the real magic of Kenya.

Each participant has to raise at least £2,500 or more and, so far, Frank and Ena have managed to raise a fantastic £7,016 in a number of ways, including two bag packing days in Asda, where Ena works, and a generous donation of £500 from Omagh Meats, where Frank works.

Other events the McGowans have organised include a raffle, a street collection in Ballinamallard as well as lots of very generous donations from family, friends and work colleagues.

"Without the support and generosity of all these people", says Frank "we could never have hoped to raise £7,016 for the Ulster Cancer Foundation. We would like to say a special word of thanks to all who have helped us with our fund-raising so far"

The couple have received a lot of literature which tells them all the equipment they need to bring with them, including good walking boots and a sleeping bag, and it also advises them of what to expect during the trek, things like how they must drink approximately four litres of water per day to stay hydrated.

Talking about the fund-raising, Frank accepts there are a lot of charities out there but they believe the Ulster Cancer Foundation has maximum recognition and it was only because the trek was for such a good cause that made Frank and Ena decided this was the one they wanted to do.

The couple also realise that people have a lot of demands on their finances these days and that is why they are so overwhelmed by people's generosity towards their fund-raising.

"Initially', he added, " we thought it would be great to raise £6,000 but then, when we met this target we thought it would be great if we could raise £7,000, which we have managed". In Northern Ireland one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime and there are almost 9,000 new cases diagnosed every year. The Ulster Cancer Foundation is committed to tackling cancer in Northern Ireland by supporting cancer research, providing services for cancer patients and by educating people on how they can reduce their risk of cancer.