Martin Sharkey is preparing for a trek to Peru to raise money for local charity, Children in Crossfire.

Almost a year ago tragedy struck the Sharkey family while on holiday in Portugal when little Nathan, a twin, was found at the bottom of a reservoir near their villa in the Algarve.

Martin tried desperately to revive his son but was unable to save him.
This year Martin will take on a challenge to trek through the country of Peru as part of a Children in Crossfire charity event, which he says, will be a form of therapy.

Martin, who lives in Claudy with his family, said the idea for the trek began after a visit to the bank.

"I had been looking at something to do to pre-occupy my mind since our tragedy and due to the amazing outpouring of sympathy we received from everyone both during the tragedy and for sometime after, which is still ongoing, I felt like I needed to give something back," Martin said.
"While standing in the queue I spied the Trek Peru 2009 challenge and what it stood for.

"I had met Richard Moore some time back as I used to look after their computers and knew his charity was a genuine and worthy charity. I understand completely that no one locally (within NI) directly receives anything with my going to Peru but the charity, Children in Crossfire, is targeting children in both Ethiopia and Tanzania these past few years and the difference they seem to be making to only the smallest number of people is inspiring.

"I think it takes small changes to make big ones and if my trek can make a difference to one family then it's been worth it. It reflects very much a way in which Nathan taught us to look at the world. As his medical condition was quite severe (Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome) rendering his learning abilities to that of an infant we were used to adopting the attitude that small changes to his learning were in fact major advances.

"Nathan was a beautiful little boy, a child who could do no wrong in everyone's eyes and a boy who stole the hearts of everyone. He is dearly missed by us all and to wish our pain away would be to forget his memory. We talk about him all the time at home and laugh and cry often about the many experiences we have had while we had him. He is gone but by no means forgotten and I hope this trek is the beginning of a life path I can take to do my bit for charity."

Charity night
The trek will take place in November this year and Martin will be doing it along with his friend, Gavin O'Kane. This Saturday, a 'Night at the Races' event is being held at McKeevers Bar in Claudy which will be followed by entertainment by X Factor contestant Tony "Vegas". There will also be a charity raffle on the night with some great prizes including an overnight stay at the City Hotel with a meal for two and a bottle of wine, meal vouchers for restaurants in Derry and Moville and many more. Also on the night a 30 minute Microlight flying session is to be auctioned off.

Martin's target for the trek is £3650. If you want to make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/martinsharkey-trekperu. Martin said: "I have raised over £1500 here alone in a short period of time through my many friends and family of which I am deeply grateful."

Martin has created a website called www.losinganangel.com which discusses what it is like to loose a special needs child and lets other parents add the names of their little angels.