Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 2:14pm

Martial arts students bid for Thailand trip

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By Jennifer Cauley

FIGHTING HARD: Barrhead star boxers Carly and Emma are on a fundraising mission

SIX young martial arts superstars are getting ready for the toughest fight of their lives.

A group of Barrhead's most talented Thai boxers will head to Thailand this October to train with sporting supremos as they bid to become the best in the world - if they can raise the staggering £7000 needed to fly there.

The youngsters, aged between 11 and 19, will fly to the East to undergo a gruelling training regime but only after completing an equally difficult task at home.

Desperate to visit the camp in Pattaya, youngsters are racking their brains for more ways to collect the cash.

They have held car washes, done fun runs and handed out football cards in an attempt to reach their target.

Their efforts have so far netted them £2,700, but instructor Kirsty MacIntosh is keen to keep the momentum going.

Former Barrhead High pupil Kirsty, who will accompany her students on the trip, said: "We've been fundraising for more than a year to try and get this money together.

"It's very expensive, because the kids class as adults now.

"It's going to be a great experience for them, though, and they're all really looking forward to it.

"Because it's the country where the sport originated, they have quite tough discipline - the kids know they aren't going for a holiday.

"It will be hard-going and they'll train as fighters. It's hard work, but it's so enjoyable, and we've got a lot of promising students who will benefit from the experience."

The camp, which will see the kids living in basic conditions, is popular amongst celebrities as well as professional athletes - featuring on reality television show 'Adrenaline Junkie'.

For Kirsty, who has undergone the training herself on many occasions, this will be the second time she travels abroad with a group of her pupils.

She added: "One of the girls has been before and she loved it, even though it was difficult.

"We're trying to do something a bit different for the kids, and it would be amazing if someone could sponsor us. Even a little bit of help could go a long way - whether it's a small donation, or sponsoring the air fare of one child."

Plane tickets can cost almost £800, so if you think you can help the prize winning team, contact Kirsty on 07749112727, or the newsdesk on 0141 4358837.