Well, that's it!  Challenge China is now complete!

WOW!!

What an experience of a lifetime.  11 days of sheer wonderment. 8 days of total exhaustion!  I can honestly say, that this was the toughest physical challenge I have ever endured!

Day 4 - started with a steep ascent (most days started that way) of over 300 steps known as Heaven's Ladder up a sheer cliff face.  Once at the top we had time to catch our breath and then continued along the cliff path towards the old broken down part of the wall on which we walked for most of the day.  A few twisted ankles and nasty falls happened on this day.

Day 6 - after a short walk back onto the wall we started yet another steep ascent of long hard trekking for about 3 hours to get to the high point of the ridge.  But, from here we had some fantastic views and walked for a further two hours along the undulating ridge until we finally left the wall and descended through lush farmland of peach and walnut trees to camp the night on the valley floor.  In a tent, of course!

Days 7 and 8 were long tough days but the climbing on these days was nowhere near the levels we had encountered so far on this trek.  However, just as tiring and just as hot.  Most days we hit mid 70's in temperature, which meant taking on board more and more water.  This meant carrying at least 3 litires in your rucksack each day which was really 'quite' heavy!!

The last day we all enjoyed the zip wire across the valley before finishing in a small village below called Simatei.  Well, after having trekked all that way it was worth it!!  We walked into the village to the sound of fire crackers and cheers from all the crew.  After being showered with champagne, we consumed rather a large amount and welcomed an overnight stay in a local hotel and a hot shower. 

I would like to extend my very sincere thanks to each and every one of you who supported me in raising all this money for people living with cancer.  Please believe me when I say that I truly earned every penny.  Following the operation on my right knee back in February, it as touch and go for a while as to whether I would actually make this trek.  However, having worked for Macmillan for 8 years and having had cancer affect my family, being dirty, grubby and aching for a few days was certainly a small price to pay.

Kind Regards to you all and Many thanks for all your support. 

Thank you all so very much 

Please continue to support me online.  100% of what is raised over and above the target of £3,200 will go directly to the Charity so everyone that donates is really making a difference. 

Thank you all so much for your donations.  Please keep them coming.