EATING scorpion and coping with Chinese toilets were just some of the challenges which faced an intrepid Rowney Green woman when she walked the Great Wall of China for charity.

Elizabeth Cain, 24, was one of a team of 24 who took part in the recent five-day trek in aid of the Meningitis Trust.

The team, which included four of Liz's colleagues from Donaldsons property consultants in Birmingham, often walked for six or eight hours a day across steep and rugged terrain.

"Taking part in the China Challenge fulfilled many ambitions. It taught me how to fundraise - my most successful event raised £600," said Miss Cain, of Rowney Green Lane.

"I also trained to improve my fitness at the gym and by walking in the Welsh hills.

"I had great fun meeting new people and exploring a different culture.

"It was good to feel that at least once in my life I would be helping people prevent and survive meningitis."

She added: "Every element of the trip exceeded my expectations. The whole team pulled together and we were exhilarated on completion of the challenge.

"Apart from the seemingly endless climb up the Great Wall, the toughest challenges for me were seeing extreme poverty, coping with Chinese toilets and eating scorpion!"

Miss Cain raised more than £2,800 for the cause, which she hopes Donaldsons will boost even further.

The money will be used to raise awareness and offer support to families of sufferers of the killer disease.

"I would love to do another charity challenge one day - when my sponsors have sufficient funds," she said.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Miss Cain can visit her website, www.justgiving.com/lizinchina, or log on to www.meningitis-trust.org