HERE is your opportunity to take part in an international fund-raising campaign and enjoy yourself at the same time!

For The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, 'Quest for the Cure', has launched a unique fund-raising venture which will take participants to meet the President of the United States, Bill Clinton; to Tampa, Florida; then back home to a special reception with the Prime Minister, Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street.

The Quest is an opportunity for 50 teams to become involved in an exciting health project for the new Millennium and to become part of one of the biggest fund-raising events of the year 2,000.

Plans for the Quest were unveiled at a special reception, hosted by television's Anthea Turner.

Nick Hards, the Foundation's special projects manager, said: "We are all delighted that this has become a major event of international importance and we are convinced that it will be over-subscribed.

"This is a unique experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that money can't buy. It is a superb way to celebrate the Millennium and to help the young people of tomorrow.

"In our previous fund-raising events we have had teams from St Helens companies and individuals and we are hoping that we will see the town represented in this event."

The venture, which is scheduled to start on June 23, 2000, starts when teams fly to Washington where there will be a high-level reception at the British Embassy, hosted by the ambassador and followed by a meeting with the President at the White House.

On day two, teams will fly to Florida where, among the planned events, will be a twinning ceremony between The Roy Castle International Centre for Lung Cancer Research in Liverpool and the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Centre,Tampa.

On day three, teams will begin the Drive For the Cure - an overland adventure which will take you from Tampa to the NASA complex at Cape Kennedy, the start of five days of events designed to educate and entertain.

It will then be time to fly home to a welcome-home meeting with the Prime Minister.

And the last leg of the journey will be on the Tour of Hope Train pulled by the engines named after Roy and Fiona Castle, completing this incredible journey with a triumphant return to Liverpool.

Nick Hards continues: "There will be essentially two types of teams entered in 'Quest For The Cure', company sponsored or individuals. But, irrespective of which team you are, to enter the Quest you will need to raise £10,000 in sponsorship which will go directly to the Foundation. Our office has a mini-booklet of fund-raising events which can get teams on their way."

Anyone who would like further details of the Quest can contact Nick on 0151 794 8800.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.