Daring Doncaster adventure-seeker set for Great Wall of China trek

Mum-of-two Julie Raynor is hoping to cover a section of around 100 miles on one of the new seven wonders of the world as part of her charity trek in October.

The 42-year-old Kirk Sandall woman has been inspired to raise money for Parkinson’s UK by her dad Dennis who has been battling Parkinson’s disease for the last four years.

She told how he has changed from a ‘confident, outgoing sportsman who no longer has the energy to do the things he loved’ but added that he has still retained his ‘witty sense of humour.’

She said: “I am very excited and have always wanted to visit the Great Wall, but as I am not overly thrilled with heights I have been put off in the past. However, that is what makes it more of a challenge as we will be pushing ourselves to the limit.”

Julie will be joined by her cousin Ann-Marie Gothard, who is raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society as her mum Gina suffers from the disease.

They are taking on the trek with a group of about 30 other adventure-seekers as part of an organised trip through Global Adventure Challenges. They will be trekking up to nine hours per day between October 15 and 22. The group will start in Huangyaguan and finish at Juyongguan taking in stunning scenery and historic places of interest along the way.

Julie said: “On one of the days we will be helping to restore the Badaling Old Section of the Great Wall, as we have been given permission from the Chinese government to help with the construction in this area. Apparently there are some wonderful views from the wall in many areas there is a section in Mutianyu known as the ‘Heavenly Ladder’ which is a near vertical staircase that climbs to the top of the mountain but the scenery is meant to be stunning.”

She is already in training for the challenge, mixing treadmill runs with weekend walks and is hoping to raise at least £2750. Julie has also arranged a series of fundraisers prior to the China trip, which includes a Bodyshop pamper night and fundraising event at The Broadway pub in Broadway on April 28 at 7pm. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Julie-Raynor