RETIRED nurse Jo Crosland, of Lower Seagry, is to trek along the Great Wall of China to raise cash for a cancer charity.

Mrs Crosland, 56, decided to walk the wall with her long-time friend Mary Allan, of Norfolk.

It will mark the tenth anniversary of Ms Allen's son William's recovery from cancer.

William was two when he was diagnosed and Sargent Cancer Care for Children supported him and his family while he was being treated.

Mrs Crosland said: "I am very excited about doing the walk. I have never been to China before although I have some experience of trekking,"

The walk takes in a 160km stretch of the wall near to the Chinese capital Beijing.

Mrs Crosland said: "This will be a challenging journey. Some of our walk will be along unreconstructed sections with steep climbs through rural areas.

"In other places the wall has been reconstructed with steep staircases and watchtowers."

She added: "I am taking my fitness training very seriously. My husband john is proving to be a tough and unrelenting trainer."

Mrs Crosland has already raised £1,800 for the trip in November and hopes to raise more than £2,000 for the charity.

All flight costs and other expenses are being paid for by Mrs Crosland so all money donated will go straight to Sargent Cancer Care. Anyone wishing to sponsor her can contact her on (01249) 720429.