A GROUP of 29 intrepid fundraisers are nearing the end of a trek along the Great Wall of China for Julia's House.

They set off earlier this week and will complete the challenge on Sunday having trekked five to 12km each day in four to eight hours.

Their starting point was Gubeikou, around three hours outside Beijing.

The last day will see their arrival in Simatai.

Today is day five.

It is hoped they will raise a massive £65,000 for the childrens' hospice charity.

One of the trekkers is Hannah Miller, Julia’s House Challenge Events Manager.

She said: "It's an absolutely amazing experience as Echo readers will hopefully see from the pictures we have been sending back.

"Julia’s House is only 5% funded by the government so every penny raised from this trip will make a huge difference to all families that we care for.

"We’d love to raise £65,000 from this challenge and we are so close that by therefore any donations whilst we are out here would make such a difference."

Simon Brooks, the director of Seventa Events is one of the team.

He said: "My twin boys Jacques and Louis spent eight days in intensive care when they were born a year ago and it really got me thinking about things.

"That kind of experience does make you reflect on how you can make a difference and support the wonderful work that is done in the community.

"There are fellow trekkers who have lost loved ones including sons and daughters and others who have loved ones receiving care.

"There have been many personal stories on our journey, some sadness but an incredible amount of laughter and motivational moments too with such a lovely group.

"We are all here for one thing, to support Julia's House."

For more on how to donate and about the charity which has centres in Dorset and Wiltshire see juliashouse.org