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Walking together in battle against breast cancer

Sophie Hazan
22/12/2003

TWO STRANGERS united in a common battle to help beat breast cancer when they signed up to a sponsored trek along the Great Wall of China.

Maxonians Emma Cox, 26, and Babette Topham, 63, will be flung together for six days when they walk up to 56 miles along the serrated wall - the only manmade structure visible from the moon.

And they each aim to raise at least £2,500 for Breast Cancer Care before they are packed and ready to fly east with the rest of the trekkers in their group next Spring.

The plucky pair are now concentrating on training to build strength and stamina that they will need if they are to experience the amazing sights.

The first night will be spent in the capital Beijing where the walkers will adapt to the eight-hour time difference. They will then be transferred to a countryside hotel close to the starting point, at Gubeiko.

Then for several days the route will follow the zig-zag passing through the Wuling Natural Forest and the Black Dragon Paw Park along the way.

The trip will end at the further most point that can be reached on foot at Mutianyo.

To find out more about the challenges log on to www.breastcancercare.org.uk/home