THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for a Pill-based cancer charity by trekkers who took on the Great Wall of China.

Penny Brohn Cancer Care sent a 19-strong team for the five-day challenge which saw them walk for nine hours per day, including a 1,000-step climb to the foot of the Great Wall.

During the trip, the walkers also had the chance to contribute to a unique restoration project which allowed them to lay a brick back into the wall with a sentimental item underneath it. They chose to bury a photo of the charity’s national centre as their item.

Penny Brohn Cancer Care fundraising support assistant, Kirstie Tudor, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who took part. It was an honour to be part of the trek and truly was a once in a lifetime experience.

“This is our third overseas charity expedition and we’re hoping this trip will raise �30,000.”

The charity is already planning its adventure for November next year, which will see a team trek through the Himalayas, the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama, ending with a visit to the Taj Mahal.

Anyone wishing to find out more can attend an information evening at the Glassboat restaurant in Bristol at 6pm on November 15. To get a free ticket call 01275 370073 or email events@pennybrohn.org

Full details of the challenge can also be found online at www.pennybrohncancercare.org/dalailama