Irish rugby star and Bóthar ambassador, Rory Best today launched the charity’s latest appeal, encouraging local people to don their walking boots and trek the Sperrin Mountains to raise vital funds for families living in the developing world.

The annual walking festival, which takes place from 23rd-25th August, aims to use the donations raised in the trek to purchase livestock for communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo – helping to create a sustainable living environment for local people that could not otherwise survive.

The three day, specially designed programme caters for experienced walkers as well as beginners and day trekkers are also encouraged to attend. As well as benefitting from local guides to showcase the very best of what the Sperrins has to offer, volunteers will have the chance to socialise with friends, as well as building new friendships while walking through an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Commenting on the launch of the appeal, Bóthar NI ambassador Rory Best said: “I’d like to encourage everyone to consider signing up for the Bóthar trek. Whether you take part for one day or commit to the three day walk, it promises to be a great experience which will also drastically change the lives of families that are in most need.”

Bóthar NI Representative Aoibheann Fearon said: “We are delighted that this year’s annual trek will take place in the picturesque Sperrin Mountains. It is an exciting opportunity for people of all age groups and abilities to come together to have fun and help us to raise our target of £30,000.

“Your money will allow us to develop a livestock rehabilitation programme in Kindhu, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Historically, this area has been afflicted by a series of wars which have scarred the social fabric of many Congolese societies. Bóthar wants to help these communities by providing them with pigs, identified by the charity as a suitable livestock as well as teaching them basics of pig rearing, so they can help to lift themselves out of poverty.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about Bóthar’s Sperrins trek should contact Aoibheann Fearon on 028 9062 7308 or email aoibheann@bothar.co.uk