A WEST LINTON woman is training for a charity trek across one of the seven wonders of the world.

Carol Rosie, who has lived in the village since 2000, has launched the fundraiser to trek along the Great Wall of China later this year.

The 60-year-old chose to take on the challenge in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK following the loss of a family member to the disease.

Originally from Northern Ireland, Carol plans to raise £2,600 by August, before jetting off to China on October 28.

Carol said: “A close family member was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common of the brain diseases that cause dementia.

There is no cure for this disease and the condition has a devastating effect on the sufferer and their family. We watched her decline to the point where she didn’t recognise us or her surroundings. 

“She had to have 24-hour care and eventually passed away. In recent years several friends have had to cope with family members who have varying degrees of dementia largely caused by Alzheimer’s on its own or with one of the other brain diseases that result in dementia. I decided I would try and do something to raise funds towards research.

“Our challenge involves trekking for five days along sections of the Great Wall of China. I’ll be walking thousands of steps between six to eight hours each day. The terrain involves sections that have been restored, sections that are crumbling and slippery underfoot and sections that are exposed both sides with long drops.

“I’ll be covering many sections along the wall such as Huangyaguanm, ‘The Heavuenly Ladder’ before finishing at Badaling. Upon reaching the old section of Badaling I’ve been allowed to help in the restoration of this section and have been permitted to lay my own brick, a lovely way to end the event before flying back home to Scotland.

“In addition I’m planning to fundraise through events and I’m planning a themed disco, coffee morning, photographic exhibition and a quiz night. Both my husband and I will fundraise at our places of work.

“I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support from family and friends. Locals have offered to help with fundraising ideas and helping at events. Residents of West Linton are usually generous in their support for charitable events. I have asked a few for their opinion on fundsraising events and they have said they would support these.”

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Carol-Rosie