TWO women from Worcestershire have raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity after trekking along the Great Wall of China.

Wendy Burtenshaw, of Powick, near Worcester, was successfully treated for cancer in 2006, so decided to “give something back” and raise money for the Eve Appeal, which helps fund research into gynaecological cancers.

Mrs Burtenshaw, aged 64, decided to do the trek with daughter-in-law Jo Walker, of Norton, Worcester, after seeing an article in a magazine.

Mrs Walker, aged 42, had also lost her grandma to cancer, so the pair immediately signed up for the trip and started fund-raising.

The nine-day trek covered 70 kilometres along the Great Wall, starting in Gubeikou, near Beijing, with plenty of steep and rocky terrain.

The pair trained hard by hiking up and down the Malvern Hills and raised funds by organising coffee mornings, a garden party and a golf day. They also received sponsorship from local businesses. They have raised £7,500 and hope to get more than £8,000. Mrs Walker said: “It was incredibly beautiful; the scenery was breathtaking, the people inspiring and it certainly was an experience of a lifetime.

“We are thrilled that we were able to raise so much money for the Eve Appeal while having the time of our lives.”

Mrs Burtenshaw said: “We met so many wonderful, positive and supportive people on the trek, many of whom will now be a permanent part of our lives – we would definitely recommend it.”

Jane Lyons, director of the Eve Appeal, said: “We can’t thank Jo and Wendy enough for taking this trip to raise funds for us.

“It will help us towards our goal of raising £5 million in five years for vital research.

“Nearly 50 women a day are diagnosed in the UK with a gynaecological cancer and 20 die. We need all women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers and would urge you to go to our website for further information.”

Further donations can be made at justgiv ing.com/joandwendy and for more information about the charity, visit eveappeal.org.uk.