TWO best friends are pleading for public support to enable them to take on a once in a lifetime challenge on the Great Wall of China.
Former Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan, Abergele, pupils Debbie Rowley and Becky Thorburn, both 23, are set to climb the Great Wall in September, but urgently need most of their required funds in place by the end of the month to guarantee they can participate in the challenge.
The expedition will be in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care who Debbie works for as a community fundraiser, with the women walking up to seven hours a day up steep pathway.
Debbie, of St George, near Abergele, said: “It is a cause that I believe is very important with the work they do helping terminally ill people and we wanted to do something to help them.
“I had heard people’s stories about the Great Wall of China and believed it was a challenge worth doing. It is sure to be a brilliant experience, both in terms of the walk and meeting the local people when we are out there.
“We have never done anything like this before but have climbed Snowdon to help get us with our preparations. But we urgently need people to come forward and support us to guarantee that we can go and would appreciate any support.”
The fundraisers have been busy in recent months helping move towards the near £5,000 target to help ensure Debbie and Becky have the funds in place to take on the trek in Asia.
As well as raising a substantial sum from the Snowdon climb, other events have included a charity football match and pub crawl, Halloween party and collections.
A fun day is being held at the Morton Arms, Towyn, on July 24 to raise further funds for the trip and to support Marie Curie.
Becky, of Rhuddlan, said: “I’m nervous but I’m sure climbing the Great Wall is going to be fun in aid of a great cause. It is definitely a challenge with a lot of steep climbs but one I really want to do.”
For more details on the challenge, fundraising activities and to sponsor Debbie and Becky, visit www.justgiving.com/Debbie-Rowley-Becky-Thorburn