A KEEN walker is taking on a five day trek with the hope of raising thousands for a life saving-charity.

Bridget Waterer, 59, will embark on a 35km trek along parts of the Great Wall of China in October to raise funds for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

As part of a group of 22, Bridget, of Belchamp Walter, decided to take on the challenge to put her walking abilities to the test.

The trek will be gruelling with thousands of old, uneven brick-made steps, to climb over the five days.

Bridget and her team will pass through watchtowers and climb the Heavenly Ladder with its thigh-busting 460 steps at a 45-degree angle.

While on the trek they will be taking part in a special mission to help repair the wall by placing a brick each on the wall. The challenge was set by the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, and £1,641 of the funds will pay for the costs of the trip.

Bridget has raised money for the air ambulance in the past, having also taken part in the charity’s 50-mile cycle ride. She said: “The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance is a life saving charity – we all know someone whose life has been saved or helped in a very big way by the team.

“They get little or no funding so it is up to us to keep them flying.”

Bridget decided she “fancied a bigger challenge” this year.

She added: “I have done quite a bit of walking over the years so thought I might be fit enough to take on the challenge.

“I can’t think of a more iconic place to try to prove it.”

Bridget hopes to raise £3,300 for the charity through donations and sponsorship.

She posted on her Just Giving page: “I hope to keep you updated and amused with my progress through training.

“For those of you who know me and my computer skills, just understanding how this page works has been a challenge in itself.

“That should be worth a donation alone!”

To sponsor Bridget’s Great Wall of China Trek, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/bridget-waterer.