Saturday, August 24th, 2002:

From the catwalk to Mount Everest
By IAIN DEMPSEY

MOUNT Everest is to be visited by the best-looking trekker to ever don a pair of climbing boots. Limerick model Michelle Meaney is set to wow fellow trekkers when she sets off on the 20-day walk to Everest base camp at one of the world's highest peaks this November. The 22-year-old Corbally stunner is trekking to Everest base camp for Irish charity Childaid, in aid of the street children of the slums of Nairobi.

"I've never done anything like this before but it's something that I've always wanted to do," said Michelle. "I saw an article in the Limerick Leader a while back and I got in touch with Childaid and decided I'd go for it. They were looking for volunteers for the sponsored trek. I think the hardest part will be acclimatising to the altitude but I'm ready for it and am looking forward to it."

Michelle is bracing herself for the stunning scenery she will witness on the trek to the various base camp sites of Everest, including the Pangboche Monastery, which is home to a reputed yeti scalp.

Each of the 20 climbers taking part in the trek have to raise E4,000 to participate, and Michelle is confident that she'll get the money together. "I'm holding a fashion show in Molly Malone's pub on Ellen Street on September 12 and all the money raised is going towards the trek," she said.

"All the models are from Celia Holman Lee's agency and they are all participating for no charge to help raise funds. The clothes that will be modelled are from A-Wear, Morgans and local designers. Local businesses have also been kind and so far I've raised around E1,500.

"Most of the people involved in the climb are from Childaid and have done this sort of thing before. The one thing I'm not looking forward to is the whole cleanliness aspect and not being able to wash properly for a couple of days, but I think the trek will be a great experience and I'm really looking forward to it."

Michelle and the rest of the trekkers will start their journey on November 18 to the Everest Base Camp and will return to Ireland on December 3. The fashion show at Molly Malone's takes place on September 12 at 8pm and tickets cost E10. Molly Malone's can be contacted at 468444 and anybody wishing to sponsor Michelle can ring Childaid at 021 4222985.