Two intrepid women from Worcestershire will take part in an epic week-long trek along one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as part of a team of 30 trekkers in aide of Acorns Children’s Hospice thirty-year anniversary celebrations this coming October (5-13th).
Best friends, businesswoman and co-founder of Redditch based Oakland International, Sallie Attwell and Christine Sumner, a retired nurse having worked in the NHS for 49 years and now concentrating her talents on healing, reflexology and foot therapy, decided they both needed a new personal charity challenge.
Said Sallie: “We can’t believe we’re actually going do it, but what better way to show our support for Acorns Children’s Hospice and their 30th year anniversary then by joining 28 other trekkers and trekking along the Great Wall of China. It will be hard due to the sheer number of steps we will need to cover over the 5-day period, and some of which will be along parts of the most remote areas of the wall.”
Added Christine: “We have both been training really hard as we needed to improve our fitness levels to take part in the challenge, including regular gym sessions with personal trainers and numerous rambles and hill walks. I even managed to get to the top of Snowdon last week!
“We’ve covered all trip costs, so every penny raised will go directly to Acorns Children’s Hospice.”
The Great Wall trek will see the 30 strong team hike over watch towers and mountains, through historic battlement stations well off the tourist trail, and see them conquer the 1,000 steps up to the wall at Muitianyu, whilst also experiencing the unique opportunity of helping to repair a section of this ancient and iconic wall.
The duo added: “We would like to thank everyone who has already donated for their help and support and for helping us in our effort to reach our £5,000 fundraising target. No matter how small your donation it will make a real and positive difference.”
Established in 1988, Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care to children and young people as well as support for the family. In the past year Acorns has cared for over 870 children and more than 1,090 families across the West Midlands, including those who are bereaved.
Sam Greatrex, Senior Fundraising Officer for Acorns, said: “Acorns very first overseas challenge was a China trek, so we’re delighted to recreate this iconic event in celebration of our 30th anniversary. It’s a once-in-a-life-time opportunity, where not only will Sallie and Christine see one of the wonders of the world, they’ll also be raising money towards our vital care for children and families. We wish them the best of luck!”
To donate and to find out more, please visit Sallie and Christine’s fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christineandsalliegreatwallofchinatrek and for more information about the wonderful work of Acorns Children’s Hospice please visit their website: https://www.acorns.org.uk/