The (UCF) are challenging people to realise their dreams and fulfil long-held ambitions through the Personal Everest Project.
The initiative was launched by one of Northern Ireland's most inspirational couples and long-term UCF supporters, Lynne and Noel Hanna who are in the final stages of preparing for one of the most hazardous and dangerous expeditions known to man. If successful, they will be the first married couple in Northern Ireland to reach the summit of Everest in May this year.
Lynne and Noel will be joined by Peter McAlindon, who was diagnosed with lymphoma five years ago at the age of 36. He will be accompanying Lynne and Noel to Tibet and will join them on the first leg of their expedition.
Not only is this a great personal and physical challenge, but Lynne, Noel and Peter want to use their expedition to raise £150,000 for the Ulster Cancer Foundation to fund a major new support programme for cancer patients and their families in Northern Ireland.
Lynne, who is also General Manager for Clarins in Northern Ireland says, "This is an ambitious fundraising target so we want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved and help us achieve our £150,000 target."
Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, UCF added: "The money raised through the Personal Everest Project will be used to fund the two elements of our new support programme - developing a tailored fitness programme for cancer patients to help reduce the debilitating effects of fatigue and to fund a full-time complementary therapy service to help reconnect people with their self-esteem and self-image which are often damaged as a result of their diagnosis and treatment for cancer.
"We are thrilled that Lynne, Noel and Peter are using this once-in-a-lifetime experience to benefit cancer patients in Northern Ireland. Their dedication, commitment and loyalty are a great inspiration and we wish them every success as they prepare for their expedition."
For further information on the Personal Everest Project please click on www.ulstercancer.org; email personaleverest@ulstercancer.org or contact Sarah/Leonne at UCF on 028 9066 3281.