With the backing of their employer, they’re set to walk along a stretch of the legendary Great Wall of China situated in one of the most rugged and least visited parts of the country.

They’ll walk in soaring temperatures over a gruelling five days. Their efforts – for which both are now putting in vigorous training – are set to benefit a charity seeking a cure for one of the fastest growing diseases in the world.

Both are supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which is dedicated to funding research to find a cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin-dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.

Trish, who is from Marybank, said she had previously thought about visiting the Great Wall after once flying over it en route to a holiday in New Zealand.

The duo each have stiff £3,000 fundraising targets which they’re pulling out all the stops to reach before embarking on the trek next month.

Trish has organised a variety of events including car boot sales and is considering “the ultimate sacrifice” of a sponsored hair shave – if she can muster enough sponsorship support!

If friends, family and well-wishers call her bluff, Trish could soon be sporting a St Andrew’s Cross dyed into freshly shorn hair.

Steve, who is from Dingwall but now lives in Inverness, first got wind of the charity challenge via an e-mail that sparked his imagination. Challenged to come up with some solid fundraising ideas, he duly applied and later learned he would get the company’s backing.

Darts, pool and golf competitions, as well as a disco, have been amongst his fundraisers to date. “I’ve never been to China before which is another reason why I jumped at the chance,” he said. “It’s tricky terrain and we could be walking for up to six hours a day so it won’t be easy,” he said. “But it’s a great cause so I’m just hoping people will support us.”

Trish and Steve can be backed online through www.justgiving.co.uk/stephencorbett1 and www.justgiving.co.uk/trishmaclean

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