the technology trailer...

So we have a few techno geeks onboard (no offense, i'm one myself) and they are working on ways of making this trek an interactive experience. The idea is that the kids at Newick School can participate in the trek instead of just hearing about it second hand.

Some of the cool things in store:
- There will be an interactive map detailing our progress along the great wall.
- We will be able to text pictures and you will be able to see and click on them from the map - pretty close to the actual spot where they were taken.
- A blog containing our daily comments and pics which you will also be able to post to.
- A video dairy (not sure how this is going to work just yet).

This is a work in progress. So check back for an update. For now, you can click here to view a map for our last walk.

TrekChina Technology coming September 2007 to a computer near you!

my 1st practice walk...

I met some of the trekkers for the first time at Charlton Court (Sally Gunnell's conference facility), an excellent base for our walk in Stenying. I was a bit nervous at first as I was about to meet the people I will be spending over a week with in China. Everyone was great! You can meet them all here and view the rest of the pics from our walk here.

I've never actually been trekking before - so naturally I have no gear. I turned up in gym clothes and trainers and quizzed everyone on advice about what gear to get. A shopping excursion will soon follow.

Ok, I am in relatively good shape. I train for 1.5 hours 2 - 3 per week in martial arts (Northern Style Shaolin Kung Fu). I was hoping it would count for something. Unless ninjas start popping out of trees... Let's just say keeping pace uphill is painful! I have some serious training to do.

the challenge...

To put down the milkshake and get in shape!

Let's face it - growing up in Miami I didn't exactly go off on weekends to hike in the mountains! Yes, we have beaches, but they did not prepare me for trekking up to 7 hours a day.

the itinerary...

Day 1 - Overnight flight to Beijing.
Day 2 - Arrive in Beijing and transfer to Yanyuan Mountain.
Day 3 - Great Wall at Mutianyu: 4 - 5 hours of trekking.
Day 4 - Black Dragon Paw Park: 6 - 7 hours of trekking.
Day 5 - Great Wall at Gubeikou: 5 - 6 hours of trekking.
Day 6 - Great Wall at Jinshanling to Simatai: 6 - 7 hours of trekking.
Day 7 - Great Wall at Simatai: 4 hours of trekking.
Day 8 - Free day to recover!!!

how to sponsor...

It's easy - I promise. Go to my JustGiving website. It is safe and secure and you can pay by credit card.

Justgiving will automatically reclaim Gift Aid on all donations made by UK taxpayers. For examle, if you give £100 we can reclaim an extra £28.21 for the charity.

where the money goes...

Anyone who knows me - knows I love to travel. However while this trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the point is to raise money for children with autism. Hence I am covering the costs of all my flights, accomodation, meals, etc. All the money I raise will go directly to the charities:

70% to the Newick House School
Newick House is a Community Special School for pupils with learning difficulties and associated special needs. My colleague Kevin's son Jamie has Asperger’s Syndrome and a number of other special needs. He is 11 and has been at Newick House School for two years.


30% to the National Autistic Society.
The National Autistic Society (NAS) exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs.

how it all got started...


My father passed away from cancer 5 years ago and it was then I realised I wanted to get more involved. Most of the organisations I looked in to had high operating costs and donated a very small percentage to research or those in need. I was made aware of China Trek through my company's sponsorship of the event and knew Kevin Connell and Andrew Haslam through work. Speaking to them about this, I knew it was time to stop talking about it and take some action - and what better way to combine my passion for travel with my desire to help those in need.

what...

TrekChina0907 provides an amazing opportunity to take part in a week long fund raising trek on the Great Wall of China between the 8th and 16th September 2007.

I will have the opportunity to visit and learn about a unique part of the world and make new friends who share similar interests and sense of adventure. I will stretch myself both physically and mentally whilst raising much needed funds for those on the Autistic Spectrum in the UK and help to build bridges with those similarly challenged at a school in Beijing

The aims of the trek are to:
- raise awareness of the challenges faced by children with autism
- build friendships with others on the trek and establish links with the Fortune Training School (XinYun School) in Beijing
- raise funds for both Newick House School, West Sussex (a UK school for children with special needs) and The National Autistic Society.