Training has commenced for a group of people walking the Great Wall of China for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.


The team of 11 men and women face the trek along 60km of the wall which stretches over 20,000km and dates back to 500BC.


Among them includes Mary-Anne Ewing, a receptionist at Rejuvenesce Beauty Salon in Marlborough who will be ticking off a life’s dream by visiting China.


She said: “I am most looking forward to being in China and experiencing their culture.


“I ride horses and take gun dogs out and I think even if you drive a car, hopefully you will have no need to use the service but it is good know they are there in case of an emergency.”


The 60 year old has already raised £2,300 for the charity and aims to raise £5,000 for the air ambulance charity as part of the challenge.


Another member of the team, Lorraine Lamb, of Upavon, said: “I’m taking a short career break and I wanted to include something that was a bit different, memorable and worthwhile and taking part in this trek to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance ticked all of those boxes. 


"The trek is completely out of my comfort zone, but I’m looking forward to the physical challenge as well as going to a different continent, with a different language, food and culture and meeting new people.”


The group has already raised £8,000 towards their £24,000 target ahead of the walk which will take place from 21 to 30 September. To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/ChinaTrek17