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Myself and Sian Hughes have decided to take on the challenge of trekking the great wall of china for 8 days in May 2012 in aid of the Trevor Mann Baby Unit. I don’t think we realized that we would be trekking a unrenovated section of the wall that weaves its way along the mountains, however we are going to put our heart and soul into the challenge, training for it and all the charity events we are organizing, so expect updates via facebook.

We wanted to complete this challenge on behalf of a charity that contributes so much to the care of hundreds of babies every year. The Department of Neonatology (Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) ) is based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH) and provides intensive care treatment for babies in Brighton and offers places for very premature babies through out the south east. There are 24 cots on the Baby Unit, of which 14 are specially designated to look after the sickest babies and 10 for those recovering.  In 2008 there were 524 admissions to TMBU, with 273 babies requiring full intensive care treatment.  114 babies weighing less than 1500g at birth were admitted and of these 56 were more than three months premature.

Myself and Sian are paying for the trip itself so all donations are going directly to the charity. This money is spent on items for the TMBU. These range from wincyette for sheets, wool for blankets and shawls (some of those for bereaved parents to have as a keepsake), incubator bonnets, triangular pillows and the fabric for covers which are made by our members, to vital lifesaving equipment.

 The Trevor Mann Baby Unit touches the lives of so many people. One of which has defiently been mine. Any donation will be greatly recieved and every little really does count.

Thank you! :) x

Below is some of the itinery for our trip

Day 1: International DepartureMeet at the Airport for your flight to Beijing, .You will be passing over the Great Wall before landing at Beijing airport. 

Day 2: Beijing to Badaling Area

Day 3: Badaling Great Wall – approx 6kms trek today, you will ease yourself into the challenge with a short but demanding day of trekking along the unrenovated section of the Great Wall of China this un-renovated part of the Wall is little visited The terrain on this day is quite tough due to parts of the Wall being worn down over the centuries but your efforts will be rewarded with stunning views.

Day 4: Black Dragon Pools - approx 10kms trek gtan and begin today‟s trek in the lush environment of Black Dragon Pools National Park located next to the Great Wall. You will follow a meandering path up  a narrow gully by the side of a stream to the top of  a watershed.

Day 5: Gubeikou Gateway – 12kms Gubeikou was the site of incessant warfare and was heavily guarded by the armies of various dynasties from 7th-13th century. In particular, the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD) added many defence installations and increased the strength of the garrison.  Nowadays, the main castle no longer exists  and much of the Wall has collapsed. Only the Jinshanling section and Simata section 6km to the east 

Day 6: Jinshanling Loop – 10kms The walk from Jinshanling towards Simatai  is a spectacular one that is partly on original unreconstructed Wall and partly on renovated sections, with many steep, crumbling staircases and ruined watchtowers along the way. The highlight of the day is the steep ascent up the Heavenly Stairway to a high viewing platform; this is perhaps the hardest ascent you will complete all week. 

Its going to be a challenge, so excited! x