Taoiseach Enda Kenny, with trekkers Siobhan O'Connor, 98FM, and Joe Egan, training to take on Kilimanjaro, helps the Irish Cancer Society launch their first ever Irish Trek, Lugnaquilla, and announces 2014 Trek destinations Kilimanjaro, Himilayas and Grand Canyon.

Cancer Society seeks Meath trekkers and mountain climbers

The Irish Cancer Society is looking for Meath participants in its first ever Sunrise Summit Challenge on Leinster’s highest peak, Lugnaquilla. The trek, which will raise money for cancer research, will take place on Saturday 26th October. Beginning before dawn, this challenge will allow trekkers to take in the sunrise with stunning views of Dublin, and Wicklow, and even enjoy a celebratory breakfast upon their return. This trek not only will be an enjoyable day out, raising funds for the charity – it may give you a taste for adventure and perhaps the courage to take on an even bigger challenge as the Society announce their new trek destinations for 2014. Treks next year include the Himalayas, the Grand Canyon and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The first of next year’s treks is the USA’s Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural Wonders of the World. The journey follows the mighty Colorado River, taking in the Havasu section of the canyon which combines some of the most memorable back country trekking with the culture of a native American tribe that have occupied this area for centuries. This sandstone canyon is truly stunning with majestic waterfalls, turquoise pools, caves and hanging gardens. The journey takes in the famed Route 66 and even ends with a day in the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas.

The second of next year’s treks is in the Indian Himalayas. The Himalayas is spread across several countries and is home to the world’s highest peak. The journey includes a five day trek across the Indian Himalayas, in the shadow of the mighty Daula Dhar peak. The trip gives the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of a unique area in India, named Little Tibet as it has become the home of the many thousands of Tibetan refugees, amongst them His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whom you will get to visit on your journey. The trek will end with a stay in the village of Bhagsu Nag with its famous 600 year old temple.

The third of next year’s treks is Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.  Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point, the world’s highest free-standing mountain and one of the largest volcanoes. It is a magnet for adventurers the world over. This challenging trek takes us along the beautiful Machame route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the south, through dense tropical rain forest all the way up to the mighty snow-capped Uhuru Peak 5,896m above sea level, with some of the most exquisite views across Africa. This is a tough but spectacularly rewarding challenge.

An Taoiseach (and Kilimanjaro trekker) Enda Kenny, had this to say at the Irish Cancer Society 2014 Trek launch “Having conquered Kilimanjaro myself in 2003, I am familiar with the scale of preparation and effort that goes into such a challenge. However, I also know the sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes from its completion. The Irish Cancer Society does really wonderful work and I am certain that this thought will help to get all trekkers and climbers through the tough times that may lie ahead on their particular journey.”

For further information on Trek4Life in Meath , or to register for a trek contact CallSave 1850 60 60 60, visit www.cancer.ie/trek4life or email fundraising@irishcancer.ie.