Sisters from Abbots Langley and Leavesden walking Great Wall of China for muscular dystrophy charity (From Watford Observer)

Sisters from Abbots Langley and Leavesden walking Great Wall of China for muscular dystrophy charity

4:30pm Monday 3rd August 2009

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Two sisters are to climb the Great Wall of China in a bid to raise money for children suffering from muscular dystrophy.

Julie McNicol, 43, from Chichester Way in Abbots Langley, and her sister Sharon Kelly, 46, of Hare Crescent, Leavesden, are to undertake the gruelling challenge in March next year.

Muscular dystrophy, a disease which results in the gradual and relentless wasting and weakening of muscles, can affect babies, children and adults.

Julie said: "I'm nervous about doing the trek, it's not something me or my sister have ever done before. In fact, we've never even been camping.

"I got involved with this charity as my nephew Spencer has muscular dystrophy, which he was diagnosed with when he was three years old.

"My sister receives a monthly magazine about muscular dystrophy and one day when looking through we saw an advert for the China walk, organised by Target MD. It's a chance in a lifetime and the money is going to such a good cause.”

The sisters will be walking along the wall for five days, averaging about 20km a day and camping there at night.

Julie said: "Our training is coming along really well. We're walking about 9.5 miles a day but by September we're going to have to take it up a gear."

Thirty-five people have signed up to do the charity trek and so far the sisters have managed to raise more than £4,000.

Julie said: "We've set a target to raise £10,000 and the money we raise will go to Muscular Dystrophy Society Sponsors Medical Team.

"Whether it's to purchase a powered wheelchair or to pay for carers, the money we raise will provide much needed respite for these children."

Most of the money pledged to Julie and Sharon has come from family, friends, contractors and work contacts.

Julie added: "Wright Windows has said it wants to sponsor us the highest amount and Cotswold Communications Limited has kindly donated £1,000. We've got a few fundraising events planned in November also, including a disco and car boot sale."

To help the sisters reach their target, visit: www.justgiving.com/sharonandjulie.

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