Four residents begin an adventure challenge in Borneo this weekend.

Lindsay Franklin and her brother Jeff, Melissa Field and Darin Cassidy have signed up for the Kinabalu Challenge.

The event will see them compete against teams around the world as they race to the top of Mount Kinabalu.

The four spoke with The Royal Gazette this week.

"A co-worker of mine is a friend of [Kirstin White, executive director of local organisers Raleigh Bermuda] and she passed on the e-mail about the event," Miss Franklin said. "I was looking for something different and I liked the fact that I could challenge myself and help a great cause at the same time.

"I went to the information session Raleigh held and thought it was great so I started to get a team together. We are all very active and participate in numerous sports and adventure activities and we have all been friends for many years."

Despite the anticipated effort, the group was excited to begin the challenge, she added.

"The event is something very different from anything I have ever done," Miss Franklin said. "We are roughing it in the jungle for a week. Other than some camping when I was young it will all be very new to me."

Running and spinning classes became the norm as Miss Franklin prepared for the journey.

"During our team meetings we held knot-tying practice for the raft building and hammock hanging.

"Also strategies for the race sections, as there is a different challenge everyday which includes biking, rafting, kayaking etc."

The four arrive in Sabah, Malaysia today. Tomorrow they face a swim test and survival skills session. On Sunday, they travel into the jungle for the start of the race. The winning team doesn't receive an actual prize although the bragging rights to such a challenge are substantial.

"I think if we were to win it would be the pride of coming out on top," Miss Franklin added. "But no matter how we do I think we will feel a sense of accomplishment."

Mr. Franklin admits he was convinced to participate in the gruelling challenge by his sister's enthusiasm.

"She found out about it and somehow convinced us that it was a good idea," he said. "I wanted to do an adventure type of vacation this year and when this challenge came up not only did it fit the bill, but it was also for a good cause."

Mr. Franklin said his preparations mainly involved his usual workout of weights and football. There was, however,"some kayaking, running, and re-learning our camping skills".

The uniqueness of the Kinabalu Challenge and the opportunity it presented to 'give back', was Mr. Cassidy's motivating factor.

He received the same e-mail as Miss Franklin but it wasn't until he learned that three of his friends were interested that he began contemplating going.

"The opportunity to travel to a part of the world that I have not been to was a big motivating factor," he said.

"Also the unique aspect of this trip it is not everyday that you get to take part in an event like this, especially with friends. I am looking forward to the competition and especially the white water rafting, as this is something I have wanted to do for a while."

Asked what he had done to prepare for the challenge, he said: "I like to run and take part in as many of the local races as I can. I am hoping that my regular training routine will have me prepared physically, but I won't know until I get out there.

"The other aspect of sleeping in the jungle the best thing for me is to accept that it is not going to always be the most comfortable. It is just a few days right let you know how that theory works when I get back."

Miss Field's initial thought was that Miss Franklin had to be joking.

"Trekking through the jungle? Climbing a mountain? The cause was brilliant, but the task seemed daunting!

"I'm not sure many people would refer to me as 'outdoorsy'. Athletic, yes, but maybe not 'outdoorsy'.

"For me it was more about getting to be a part of something great touching lives and helping others, while at the same time challenging yourself and facing your fears. How can you say no to that?"

Jogging, hill runs, sprints and stairs at the track were all part of her training.

"I play on a rugby team so I've been training and playing with them as usual," she said.

Her prize will be "getting to the top of that mountain with three of my favourite people, after running, cycling, kayaking, white water rafting, shelter building, and generally surviving out in the jungle".

"That will be prize enough." she said.

She added: "I just want to take this opportunity to thank our family, friends, co-workers, and particularly Flagstone Re and Ace Insurance for supporting this great charity and us. Because of their kind and generous donations and contributions lives will be touched and changed forever.

"Sometimes it's easy to overlook, but there is so much kindness in the world. Thanks so much everyone."