A BUSINESSWOMAN and mum-of-two from the New Forest has raised nearly £6,000 for the MS Society by trekking along the Great Wall of China to support her partner.

Sarah Norton, who lives in Damerham with her husband Paul and their two girls Ella, 14, and Violet, 10, hiked northern portions of the 13,000-mile wonder over 10 days for the multiple sclerosis (MS) community, which includes her husband who lives with MS.

The 40-year-old interior designer took on the challenge to raise awareness of the condition and help fund innovative MS research.

Sarah’s husband Paul, 46, was diagnosed with progressive MS just over five years ago after he started having trouble walking.

Since his diagnosis, he has been receiving a regular infusion treatment that has meant he has been able to continue running his business fulltime.

But with two girls and two companies, Sarah says the pair has had to find a schedule that works with Paul’s symptoms.

“We’ve been very fortunate that Paul can still work his socks off every day, but when he comes home he’s usually very fatigued," Sarah said.

"On top of his business, I also run my interior design company from home and we have a local holiday let. It can be a lot to juggle, but we make it work.”

MS is an unpredictable condition which affects more than 100,000 people in the UK.

It’s impact is different for everyone, but is often painful and exhausting and can cause problems with how people walk, move, see, think and feel.

Earlier this year Sarah and her daughter Ella did the MS Walk in London, but this is the first time she’s taken on a fundraising challenge abroad.

Although mentally and physically challenging, Sarah says the group trip was life-changing.

“Every day was so different and we learned about some really fascinating Chinese history along the way. But it wasn’t easy by any means.

"The route was full of hills and uneven ground with sheer drops. I underestimated how much mental strength I need and didn’t realise I was quite so scared of heights.”

Charlie Bartlett, community and events officer at the MS Society, said: “It was an incredible experience trekking along the Great Wall of China with Sarah and the rest of our group.

"Together, we climbed sheer cliff faces and hiked ancient landscapes to raise more than £70,000 for the MS community."

To find out more about Sarah's challenge and to donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-norton15.