Great Wall of China

In October, Jim’s cousin Will Simpson is walking along the Great Wall of China, and he’s chosen to support HELP. Here’s what he says about this incredible challenge:

“This October, I’ll be spending a week trekking a stretch of The Great Wall of China.

 I’ll begin four hours north of Beijing, the challenge will see me climb over 10,000 uneven steps of the wall following the winding path along the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway and take on the famous “Heavenly Staircase”

 The challenges ends after 5 full days of trekking in the city of Beijing.

Why am I doing this? Well, I’m on a personal mission to see all the Seven Wonders of the World, and this will be my 4th. But more importantly, I’m looking to raise both money and awareness for a brilliant charity set up in memory of my cousin Jim Simpson, who tragically died in 2020.

 I have never been anything more than a part time hiker. In 2011 Jim and I did the 3 peaks challenge together, and it’s only recently I’ve got back into it. In April I spent a week in the Indian Himalayas trekking through tough terrain with a large group of collegues from work, and I was surprised just how much of positive an effect this exercise had on my mental health, as well as the physical benefits. So when this opportunity came up I jumped at the chance, and can’t wait to experience a challenge on this scale at one of the most famous landmarks in the world!”

Will is fundraising on Justgiving