Two Ayr landladies are on a mission and are looking to raise over £10,000 for their local hospice, The Ayrshire Hospice. 

Somehow Linda Galli (Daviot Guest House) has managed to persuade her neighbour Eileen Frater (Queens Guest House) to don her charity trekking boots again and this time head east to China and take on the Great Wall!  So with Eileen's experience of trekking in Peru and Borneo not forgetting dog sledging in the Artic Circle, Eileen plans to take Linda's hand and help through all the trials and tribulations of fundraising, the hard work of training for a trek and finally, when the time comes to travel to China, she'll support her every step of the way as she takes one of the biggest challenge of her life "The Great Wall of China".

So with Linda's new walking boots and bicycle bought the training begins!

Here's an update of our fundraising so far:

Selling loads of Linda's famous home-made tablet - Over £1,200 sold already!

Walk around Ayr Treasure Hunt - 23rd July 2008 - £5.00 
This event was a great success (with added benefit of sunshine), 46 treasure hunters took part, we raised a wonderful £434.  Thanks to everyone who came along and joined in the fun.

NUNS on the RUN" Charity Walk - Goat Fell, Arran - Sunday 3rd August 2008 - 18 "Nuns" took part, the sun shone for us throughout the day, spectacular views from the top, Linda led the singing at the top and we raised over £1,100 for The Ayrshire Hospice.  Wonderful fun day, thanks again to everyone who took part and a big thank you to Adam and Yvonne from Kyle Mountaineering Club who made sure we were on the right track!

Arthur Taylor - We have been honoured to receive a donation of £371.05 from the friends and family of the late Arthur Taylor, Linda's uncle,  who sadly died on 12th August -  a quote from his favourite band "Another one bites the dust".........Thank you everyone from both of us, our thoughts are with you.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

Italian Dinner Night - 5th September 2008 - Ticket price £15
Ski Everest 2008 - Olympic Torch Challenge - Registration £25
( Xscape, Braehead - Saturday 18th Oct 2008)
Snail Race Night, beg 2009

Eileen & Linda's 5 day Great Wall trek will be the following:

Trek Day 1 - Their first day trekking on the wall we walk on a section of the wall that hasn't been restored. Then they'll take a path down to a reservoir, walking past rural villages to reach their campsite in a valley.

Trek Day 2 - This is a strenuous but rewarding day. They will walk along some restored sections of the wall, but with plenty of ups and downs, until they reach the Simatai section. Then take a path off the wall and walk to their campsite.

Trek Day 3 - They leave their campsite and walk over the suspension bridge, up to the 12th tower for lunch, then follow a path off the wall to the village of Gangfang.

Trek Day 4 - This day they make our way along a track scattered with stones and the remains of the ancient wall. A descent into the valley leads them to their hotel nestling on the edge of a reservoir.

Trek Day 5 - Last day of trekking takes them through forests, with occasional views of the towers on the wall. A final descent brings them to their finish line.