MARTIN Meadows and Alison Smith, both from Bolton, are seen here getting in some practice before they head East to complete their sponsored walk of the Great Wall of China.

They are starting to collect sponsorship money now and hope to leave for China at the end of May.

They need to raise £2,000 each before they can go, along with people from all over the country.

Alison saw the challenge advertised on television and asked Martin if he was willing to join her.

They will be running various fund-raising events before the trip. These included a sponsored duathlon and quiz nights.

When they have enough money to get them to China, any extra money will be given to the Church of England Children's Society.

Once in China they will be walking for five days over a distance of approximately 100km. Smalls Army Supplies of Bradshawgate, Bolton, have donated walking gear for their trip, and anybody who wishes to make a donation can ring Martin on (0374) 276715.

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