The event, which was kindly sponsored by The Northern Media Group, raised £80,000.

The group flew into Cape Town and from there were taken to the starting line of the challenge. They cycled through the stunning scenery for five days, camping along the way and cycling up to 90km a day in the sweltering heat.

Travelling through African towns, they got a chance to meet the local children and experience first hand the poverty which gave them a proper sense of where the money that they were fundraising was going to.
The group also brought gifts for the local children including clothes, pens, pencils and footballs.

Twenty-three-year-old Claire said she thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and was delighted with the generosity of local people.
In order to prepare herself for such a long time on the saddle, Claire underwent a rigorous fitness programme in the run up to the challenge.
As well as cross-training, horseriding and running, she cycled up to 30 miles at least once a week.

Several local businesses donated funds in support of Claire and she had door collections at Tesco, a Christmas raffle and three charity discos in Kellys Bar, Ballymoney. She raised an impressive £3,612 in total.
Event organiser Denise McConnell, said: "I would like to say a big thank you to this particular group of people, who each fundraised £3500 each, some of them more!

"This is a lot of money to raise and a lot of hard work has been put in by these people. By taking part in this event and raising the sponsorship, they can be sure that they are already making a difference in children's life in Africa".

Denise wished to extend a big thank you to: Mark & Tanya Young (Limavady), John McLaughlin (Newtowncunningham), Martin Tohill, Mary Quinn (Maghera), Eamon Bradley (Cookstown), Melanie Doherty (Derry), Brian Martin (Derry), Jessica Sexton (Greysteel), John Armstrong (Greysteel), Peter Gallagher (Belfast), Claire Martin (Ballymoney), Ryan & Marie Lagan (Cookstown), Damien McCallion (Derry), Tracey Curran (Derry), Conor Lynch (Derry), Foncey Hume (Derry), Paul Morrison (Derry), Jennie Cosgrove (Derry), Dave Mawhinney (Ballymena), Stephen O'Donnell (Letterkenny).

Due to the success of this event, Children in Crossfire are planning another cycle in Namibia in March 2009. If you would like any information, please contact Denise on 71269898 or e-mail denise@childrenincrossfire.org.