Shelley Limbrick's Great Wall of China Trek

Paul Limbrick 13th May 2012 This event has closed

Story

Shelley will be taking on a physical challenge way beyond anything she has ever done before, especially as she hasn't participated in any sport since 1986 when she last fell over a hurdle! Please support Shelley in her fund raising efforts on behalf of the Lymphoma Association and to honour the memory of her wonderful Dad. We've used a bit of computer trickery to get her there for now, but with your kind donations, however big or small, Shelley will be a step closer to actually being there.

Updates

17/05/2012

27th November 2013
Just had a call from Shelley, 1600 Chinese time, to say they have finished the trek. Some of the group were quite emotional at the end of a great achievement and they all celebrated together. They were photographed in the colours of the charities that they were all representing and sprayed with champagne by their very Chinese sounding tour guide 'Kevin'. They were travelling past the Olympic 'Bird's Nest' Stadium on their route into Beijing as we spoke. Shelley said they have seen extremes of poverty in the mountain villages and wealth in the developments surrounding the Olympic Park. Food has been reasonably good along the way. They were still hungry last night as the vegetarian options formed part of a larger banquet style meal and everyone else was tucking into it too. Their guide ordered them some additional dishes when they asked for more in an Oliver Twist style. In addition to sightseeing, Shelley said they'll be having a massage and watching some acrobats perform. I hope they don't ask for volunteers from the audience, I'm not sure they'll have the energy or enthusiasm!

17/05/2012

27th November 2013
Shelley and Sue will be trekking today and then travelling back to Beijing for sightseeing and a celebration dinner to acknowledge what they have achieved together as a group. Yesterday was hard work and the temperature was as high as 28, intense and humid. Sections of the wall had deteriorated quite badly and resembled rubble, making it difficult to negotiate. There were some narrow ledges with large drops and Sue successfully overcame her fear of heights to continue. Shelley said they will visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing. They are due to arrive back at Heathrow tomorrow at 20:30.

15/05/2012

27th November 2013
Shelley and Sue were both expecting Heaven's Ladder to be the most difficult and energy sapping section of their challenge. Having got that out of the way, they were surprised by the stamina required to complete the trek today. They stayed with a chinese family last night and were early to bed, early to rise. 0630 alarm call followed by a walk of almost 10 miles in hot and humid conditions in very hilly terrain. Shelley described it as 'by far the toughest day' but also commented that the scenery has been beautiful though. They have developed a bartering technique based upon Sue straightening the hair of other girls in the group in exchange for a calf massage. Text at 21:30 their time saying they were off to bed.

13/05/2012

27th November 2013
Shelley called to say that she had conquered Heaven's Ladder. (We had a picture of that section of the wall pinned up to keep her focused during her training). Shelley said that it was really physically demanding and some ledges were treacherous - Sue has a fear of heights too. Shelley was happy at the back taking it steady; the rest of the group would have a break for the others to catch up and then move on, so Shelley wasn't getting much of a reprieve. She said the guide seems keen to finish each section faster than planned. The food has been OK so far but they have both gone for the vegetables rather than meat options - pleased to report that there has been no sign of toad on the menu yet, as seen on An Idiot Abroad.

13/05/2012

27th November 2013
Shelley said that she found today much harder than they thought. They went straight into it, facing massive climbs but mostly steps rather than inclines. They finished the section in 2 hours and were then told that in usually takes closer to 3 - Shelley said the pace was a bit too fast. The Dr suggested that everyone goes at their own pace rather than trying to push too hard. (It's a bit worrying that Shelley's seeking advice from the Dr so soon!) Heaven's Ladder on Sunday, which will take a lot of effort and closer to 7 hours. Shelley signed off by saying "I hope I live to tell the tale!!"

11/05/2012

27th November 2013
Shelley called to say that they have arrived in Bejing after a good flight. They are travelling as a group of 11, including Shelley and Sue. Three others are travelling together but the rest were 'independent' until they met yesterday. Other charities being represented are Help the Heroes and Cystic Fibrosis. They have checked into the hotel but pretty much dropped their bags and gone back out again on a trip to the Temple of Heaven - they are tired but it's too far to travel without seeing as many of the sights as possible

10/05/2012

27th November 2013
The word from London Heathrow is that Shelley and Sue have cleared security and they're waiting to board their plane. They have met some of the group they'll be travelling with and they've been having a good laugh, so they're off to a good start. Shelley signed off by saying "BRING ON THE WALL!"

08/05/2012

27th November 2013
Travelling tomorrow so only one more sleep at home. Exciting!

01/05/2012

27th November 2013
Shelley will fly to China on 10 May to begin her adventure. We'll post regular updates to tell you how she is getting on.

Recent Donations

5 years ago
Paul
Donation linked to lighting a virtual candle for Tom.
£20.00 (+ £5.00 Gift Aid)
10 years ago
Paul Limbrick
Katie Dyer, 17/05/2012 Hi Shelley so good to have read all your updates and catch up with the news from Paul. We knew you could do it, what an experience, well done, we're so proud of you and can't wait to hear all about it. Have a safe journey home. with lol Kate, Ian,Herbie & Ted xxxx Karen Elskamp, 17/05/2012 Hi Shelley, have just found your message page when you're about to come home! Looked on Monday but it had gone and could only get the Lymphoma page then Louise said that you had to find you though that - so at last! Great to read to entries although I have seen Paul a couple of times so he's filled me in. All I can say is well done -fantastic achievement - sounded really hard with not much food and hot conditions (could do with a bit of that here though!). Your Dad will be looking down and feeling very proud I'm sure. Can't wait to here all about it. Have been rattling The Can around The Elms and people have given quite a bit I think - am going out again this afternoon. See you soon!! xx olive, 17/05/2012 Hi Shelley,just read the entries. YOU MADE IT! You must be so pleased and proud. Looking forwrd to hearing all about the wall and China AND the food! From the sublime to the mundane, the building work has begun and my house is in a total mess. But it will be lovely. Well done oodles of love xx Louise Kitley, 13/05/2012 Hi Shel, sounds like it's every bit of the challenge you thought it would be. Every day is a major achivevement and must be an amazing experience sending lots of love and encouragement. L, T, and J xxx Paul Limbrick, 10/05/2012 Click on the journal link too if you would like to keep an eye on progress. I'll try to provide an update as and when I hear from Shelley, subject to network coverage. Lisa Sharps, 09/05/2012 I am very excited for you. Have a good journey Love from all the Sharps xx Louise Kitley, 08/05/2012 Good Luck Shelley. Can't wait to hear how you are getting on. We will be following you every step of the way. Have a very safe journey on Thursday, love L, T and J xxx £10.00 21/09/2012 Kind donation made by Andy Turner and Marion Sweet. Thank you very much. Mrs Joanne Shearn £50.00 26/06/2012 Well done shelley, what an achievement. Fantastic you for completeing. Hope you reach target for your cause :) best wishes jo shearn x £40.00 24/06/2012 50 Euro donation from Noel Cooke, Waterford, Ireland. Thanks very much for your generosity Noel, much appreciated. Mrs Heather Extence £5.00 05/06/2012 £5.00 02/06/2012 Donation received from Sally Chudley. Thank you Sally. £28.50 02/06/2012 Final batch of make up sold on our behalf by Learne- thanks Learne. £100.00 01/06/2012 Cash collection using Lymphoma Association collection tin. Thanks to Karen for the time and effort she put into raising this money on our behalf. Thank you. £10.00 01/06/2012 Donation made by Brian and Ann Scott. Thank you. Mrs Katrina Elizabeth Balshaw £10.00 01/06/2012 Well done Shelley, you should b very proud. Katrina.xxxx Mr alec buxton £20.00 14/05/2012 Well done shelley, a great achievement! lol alec and penny xxx Mrs Alison Hill £20.00 10/05/2012 Go Shelley! best of luck for the challenge I look forward to hearing about it when you get back! Ali, Jon Emma & Matty Hill xx £5.00 09/05/2012 Kind donation from Sharon Ladwa. Thank you Sharon. £34.00 08/05/2012 3rd batch of make up sold - thank you to everyone who bought some items. £10.00 08/05/2012 Kind donation from Cath Freeman. Thanks Cath. £15.00 08/05/2012 Kind donation from El Vowler. Thanks Stephen. £10.00 08/05/2012 Go for it Mummy, we're so proud of you and we'll miss you when you're gone. Love from Tom and JJ. xx Mr Antony flynn £145.00 08/05/2012 Go she'll love T, lou and the boys.....dad would be so proud!!!!! £10.00 08/05/2012 Kind donation from Marion at Nailsea Podiatry Practice. Thank you Marion. £5.00 08/05/2012 Kind donation from John at Gordano Carpets. Thanks very much. (Paul says he's a fantastic carpet fitter - highly recommended, call if you want his number!) £10.00 08/05/2012 Kind donation from Marilyn, Al, Mia and Jack. Thank you very much. £10.00 08/05/2012 Kind donation from Annabel, James and family. Thank you very much. £20.00 08/05/2012 Kind donation from Rico. Thanks very much Rico. £30.00 08/05/2012 Here is a contribution with love and I hope you have a fantastic trip. With love, Joyce. xx £40.00 08/05/2012 Go for it Shell! Lots of love, Mummy. xx £20.00 08/05/2012 My buddy Sheldrid is doing 'the wall', When she's finished 'yipee' she'll call. In loving memory of the great Tom, In who's eyes she could do nothing wrong. In a dorm she'll be sleeping, No-one better not be peeping. Shelley in her PJ's is a lovely sight, However, it may give some a fright. She always puts a bin on a chair, As she wants intruders to snare. That's why we love you the best, You ain't nothing like the rest! Go Shelley we are really proud of you. Greta, PFBG & boys Mr Alec Richardson £20.00 05/05/2012 Good luck Shelley, we'll be thinking of you! Jo, Alec, Jake, Stan and Eddie xxxxx Mrs Carol A Hall £220.00 04/05/2012 Shelley, Just a little donation towards your China trek. I managed to complete the boys friday night cycle challenge and thanks to family and friends, have raised £220.00. We're all really proud of what you are doing and will be thinking of you every day. Good luck Shelos!! Lots of love, Carol, Jon, Nathan & Jamie xxx Mrs Joanne C Harper £20.00 03/05/2012 Go Girl Go.... We will be thinking of you every step of the way. Lots of Love Jo, Giles, Jack and Faye xxxx Mrs Debi Holland £10.00 17/04/2012 An incredible challenge. Your Dad would be very proud. Good luck - best foot forward! Debi, Mike & Sawyer x Mrs Suzanne Osborne £20.00 02/04/2012 Good luck Shelley, take one step at a time. All my love Olive £20.00 14/03/2012 Donation from Sarah, Phill and Daisy Dalwood. Many thanks. Mr Oliver Flynn £100.00 11/03/2012 Best of luck Shelly - it's fantastic what you are doing. Oliver, Mary, Laura and Steph. £41.50 01/03/2012 Kindly donated by Paul H, David F, John B and Andy C from 'Pallas'. £10.00 01/03/2012 Good luck Shell, hope you achieve all that you set out to. Exley. Mr Bobby FlyNn £200.00 01/03/2012 With all our love. For a great brother and uncle. Bobby and Flynn family Mrs Lorraine Tovey £10.00 23/02/2012 Best of luck Shelley and keep up the training. Lorraine (EDFE) Mrs claire burns £50.00 21/02/2012 Good luck Shell..it will be an amazing experience and all for a worthy cause.Sorry I can't be there but will be thinking of you..lol Claire,Mike & girls xxx Mrs Julie Fudge £10.00 19/02/2012 Good Luck Shelley!!! What a great tribute to your Dad. We are all very proud of you and wish you well in your challenge. Lots of love from the Fudge's. xxxx Mrs Leah Maguire £10.00 16/02/2012 Think it's fantastic you're doing this. Good luck! Miss Lisa Jane Morgan £10.00 16/02/2012 Wishing you loads of luck Shelley - hard work but worth it! Will be thinking of you. Lisa Morgan £275.00 15/02/2012 Ladies of leisure! Thank you. £41.50 15/02/2012 2nd batch of make-up sold. £10.00 15/02/2012 Good luck Shelley. Auntie Muriel. Mr Simon Marshall £25.00 15/02/2012 Good Luck Shelley Mrs Kate Britton £20.00 14/02/2012 So proud of you and cant wait to hear all about it. Your Dad would be so proud of you as I know all your friends and family are. Take care of yourself. Love from the Britton family xxxx £107.00 13/02/2012 Car boot sale proceeds. £300.00 13/02/2012 Thanks to everyone who attended the Halloween party. £300 profit made. £5.00 13/02/2012 Donation received from Andy Cheshire. Thanks Andy. Ms Judith Beverley Howell £50.00 11/02/2012 Can't believe you are doing this hon! Well done you! as I know it won't be easy for you but know how much you loved your Dad. Wish I was going with you. Proud of you Travel safe! Mrs Vikki Louise Jones £10.00 10/02/2012 Good luck Shelley lots of love sent your way xx £415.50 26/01/2012 Profit from New Year's Eve party, including raffle ticket sales. What a great night, thanks to everyone who came to support the Lymphoma Association. Thanks also to Jon and Mike for DJ-ing and everyone who helped with the hall. £10.00 26/01/2012 Donation from Steph and Simon. Thank you. Shelley. £10.00 26/01/2012 Donation from Sarah and John Duerden. Thanks very much. £30.00 26/01/2012 Donation in exchange for giving time to invigilate an exam. £47.50 26/01/2012 Proceeds from sale of make up donated by a very very generous friend! Thank you, Shelley. £38.00 26/01/2012 Proceeds of coffee afternoon and cakes sold. Thanks to those who came and supported me - you know who you are. £450.00 26/01/2012 Donation in exchange for some hard graft. Thanks to Heather for the opportunity and thanks also to those who volunteered their time, especially Mum and Suzanne. Shelley. £50.00 26/01/2012 Donation from Gen and Graham Limbrick. Thanks very much Mum and Dad, Paul. £100.00 26/01/2012 From Tony and Louise. Sale of playhouse plus additional donation. Thanks to you both. Shelley. Mr Paul Limbrick £40.00 28/12/2011 Well done Shelley! I'd love to be with you all the way but, fortunately for me, I'm not allowed to take the dog abroad. Good luck, love from Olive. Mr Chris Lyons £50.00 19/12/2011 All the best with the walk from Systopia Consulting Limited. Mr paul hancock £50.00 19/12/2011 Well done Shelley Good luck and best wishes Paul and Astrid Happy Christmas to you and the family Mr PAUL LIMBRICK £20.00 19/12/2011 Donation made in lieu of sending Christmas cards to colleagues. Mr David Roger Carr £50.00 19/12/2011 Very pleased to support this cause and I wish you the very best in completing your walk of the Gt Wall of China Mr MARK LIMBRICK £100.00 14/12/2011 Shelley, this is a donation made in lieu of AROS Architects sending Christmas cards to clients. Merry Christmas £5.00 09/12/2011 Donation in exchange for Winnie the Pooh clock. Lis Hughes. Mr MARK LIMBRICK £50.00 02/12/2011 GO SHELLEY GO! MJm+mxxxx Mrs Jo Harper £89.00 04/11/2011 Ebay says "Go Girl Go" xxxxxxx Mr Paul Limbrick £20.00 05/09/2011 Good luck Shelley. Paula.
£3882.50