Local father and daughter duo David and Kelly Donaldson are preparing to set off for the Arizona Desert in around eight weeks’ time to take part in a fundraising challenge for Northern Ireland charity, Action Cancer.

Kelly, who is branch manager for Rutledge Training in Enniskillen, says it’s her first time testing herself in such an extreme environment and whilst she has some nerves about what lies ahead, she has been preparing herself as much as possible and is looking forward to the challenge.

David, owner of LE Graphics in Enniskillen is on the other hand a bit of a serial charity adventurer, and this will be his tenth international challenge for Action Cancer.

David says that he is looking forward to sharing this experience with Kelly, having done three of his previous challenges with his son, Justin.

Since 2002, David has raised more than £110,000 for Action Cancer and says that he has chosen to support the charity for many reasons, including the fact that all of the money raised for the charity is spent directly on delivering lifesaving services here in the local community.

The pair have been preparing as much as possible prior to departure, although Kelly explains that the one thing she has struggled to prepare for here in Fermanagh are the dry and hot desert conditions.

According to the Arizona State Climate Office, May 1 is the driest month of the year with average highs of 34.2C.

Speaking of his previous fundraising endeavours, David has said that the success of his fundraising has been down to one thing: “The support and generosity of local Fermanagh people.”

His fundraising events have always been very well supported both by the general public and with the aid of local businesses.

The pair are organising a Lough Erne Dinner Cruise which will take place on April 30, just one week before they leave on their challenge.

Supported by Erne Tours and Killyhevlin Hotel, guests will be treated to a cruise on board the MV Kestrel, returning to the jetty at the Killyhevlin Hotel and followed by a three-course meal and live music.

Tickets can be obtained from LE Graphics or online at www.legraphics.co.uk/cruise.