Two youngsters are embarking on a journey of a lifetime in memory of a special woman.

Jess Day, 18, of Little Yeldham, and Alex Unsworth, 22, have been friends since they were little.

In August, Alex’s nan Mary Vogeler died aged 81 in St Nicholas Hospice, Bury St Edmunds.

She had been a loyal supporter of the hospice and other cancer charities for a number of years, donating money regularly.

Inspired by the care Mary received whilst in the hospice and determined to make sure that other people were able to benefit it, the duo decided to embark on an adventure across the Great Wall of China, organised by Action Challenge.

Jess, who now studies at the Colchester Institute, and Alex, of Thetford, in Norfolk, will cover some more of the most rugged areas of the wall, starting in Beijing and walking between 22 and 30 miles a day for 10 days in September.

Former Hedingham School pupil Jess said: “I knew Mary very well.

“She used to love to travel and she has been most places, although I don’t think she ever went to China.

“The year before she died she went to Dubai.

“I’ve never done anything like this before or been to China, and I am really looking forward to it, especially all the views and the scenery.

“I’m going to start training for it soon.”

They need to raise £3,000 each in order to take part and are currently on £400 between them.

You can donate by visiting justgiving.com/Jess-Day5 or email jessday1@yahoo.co.uk