TWO 25-year-olds have spoken about their 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to trek through the Grand Canyon for charity.
Christa McKay and Rachael Webb, who are both analysts for Barclays Wealth, are taking part in the challenge to raise funds for Junior Achievement Isle of Man.
They have to raise a minimum of £3,350 each for the eight-day adventure next May that will see them trekking in the Grand Canyon and descending into the Indian reservation of Havasupai which has the last post office in the US still serviced by mule train.
Junior Achievement development officer Tina Edge said: "We're looking for other people to join Christa and Rachael. Places are limited so I'd urge people to register as soon as they can."
The challenge is open to anyone over the age of 17. The minimum £3,350 to be raised per entrant covers flights from the UK to Phoenix, the eight-day adventure that finishes with a night in Las Vegas, the flight from there back to the UK and a donation to Junior Achievement Isle of Man.
Christa, who lives in Onchan, said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not be missed, especially as I've never been to the States before.
"I took part in this year's Parish Walk and managed the 55 and half miles to Andreas, but my usual keep-fit routine is mostly walking my two dogs.
"Barclays Wealth has been very supportive and will be matching some of our fundraising efforts, such as raffles, pound for pound.
"Rachael and I went to the presentation given by the organisers Global Adventure Challenges, which was excellent, but also a bit scary, in a good way, when we saw just how much ground we'll be covering."
Rachael, who is from Douglas, said: "I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to raise funds for charity by taking part in something as exciting as this.
"I've been to the States before, but never to somewhere as challenging as the Grand Canyon.
"As Christa said, the presentation was very good and highlighted just how far we'll be walking, although it will be over several days.
"Barclays Wealth is a keen supporter of Junior Achievement, committing funds to the charity and helping us with our fundraising.
"Our work colleagues have been very generous, too. Christa and I have worked together for some six years and also go training together sometimes.
"I enjoy keeping fit anyway so to help raise funds for Junior Achievement I’m entering the Isle of Man End to End Walk on September 25."
Junior Achievement Isle of Man chief executive Sue Cook said: "Barclays Wealth has been a long-standing supporter of Junior Achievement so we're delighted that Christa and Rachael are seizing this opportunity to go on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world."
To support Christa and Rachael, contact them at christa.mckay@barclayswealth.com or rachael.webb@barclayswealth.com
Registration forms and details are available from Tina Edge.
Call 666266 or email tina@jaiom.im
This academic year Junior Achievement has run 150 classes, in 18 schools, reaching more than 4,000 young people.
Each year Junior Achievement needs to raise £300,000. To find out more visit www.jaiom.im
