Bronagh Henry and Dianne Koplewsky who will be Doing the Thailand Jungle Trek to raise money for Action Cancer. US1508-123A0 Picture By: Aidan O'Reilly

TWO Crumlin child care workers, who both lost a parent to cancer, will be taking huge steps to raise money for cancer.

Both Bronagh Henry, who lost her father Hugh to cancer, and Diane Koplewsky, whose mother Elizabeth died of skin cancer, will be taking part in Action Cancer's Trek to Thailand next February. Their gruelling week long trek will be through hilly jungle terrain in 34 degree humidity.

Their aim is to raise �8000 through bag packing events, quizzes, a disco and a sponsored bounce by the children at their creche Sleepy Hollow.

Money will go toward cancer prevention, support and early detection services in Northern Ireland and both Bronagh and Diane particularly want their funds to go towards helping children.

And wasting no time both have already embarked on a training scheme six days a week.

Diane, Director and Area Manager of Sleepy Hollow, whose mother died on Mothers Day 2003 said: "I wanted to do something positive. Bronagh and I have raised money for cancer charities but we both felt that we wanted to do something more specifically for Northern Ireland. "My mother died from skin cancer which is quite rare in Northern Ireland so education is important and awareness too." Bronagh, who lost her father Hugh eight years ago to rapid cell cancer, wants to do the trek in memory of him. He died ten days after he was diagnosed and Bronagh says that if it helps one person their trek will not be done in vain.

She said: "If it saves just one life or helps one person then it will be all worth it. Before my father died I had heard of cancer but it is not until something like this happens to you that you realise just how important it is not only to raise awareness but funds as well."

Anyone who would like to make a donation or help in anyway can ring Bronagh on 02894453976 or 07920111417.

mary.magee@jpress.co.uk

Ulster Star
11/04/2008