THEY say the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object you can see from outer space.
For South Yunderup resident Dianne Thorpe, conquering one of the wonders of the world is worth it, if it means raising money for a charity she cares about.
In October last year, Ms Thorpe, 63, decided she would walk the Great Wall of China as part of the Leukaemia Foundation Great Wall of China Challenge.
She came about the challenge through the Leukaemia Foundation and Inspired Adventures – who create these types of challenges for Australian non-profit organisations.
Her mother was suffering from leukaemia the time, and in December, she passed away.
However, Ms Thorpe still wants to raise money for the cause to help others suffering from leukaemia.
“I’m doing this to walk because the foundation absolutely needs it,” she said.
In order to take part in the walk, Ms Thorpe and the other participants must raise a minimum of $4000. She is doing the walk with about 20 other Australian participants.
To reach the amount, Ms Thorpe ran a fundraiser high tea two weeks ago, and received $3865 to go towards her total.
She also sold merchandise at CrabFest, which got her almost $700, and with a host of other activities, she has raised more than $6000 – with the end goal being $8000.
Although Ms Thorpe is not going to walk the 8850 kilometres, she will walk about 50km in six days in tough terrain, including going up uneven surfaces
“The first and last days of the walk are smaller days but the other four we walk for about four to six hours,” she said. “I’m really excited about it. Knowing that you are doing it is a really great thing.”
If anyone wishes to donate to Ms Thorpe’s walk, go to my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/diannethorpe
