BRICKLAYING is not a skill listed on the CV of Leamington solicitor Donna Bothamley – but it might have to be added after she helped repair the Great Wall of China.
Donna, who is head of wills and probate at Blythe Liggins Solicitors, has just returned from a 36km fund-raising trek along the ancient wall in aid of The Myton Hospices.
And during the five day fund-raiser Donna got to see parts of the wall few people ever see, and along with her fellow trekkers even got to lend a hand to repair a section of the wall currently being reconstructed.
Donna, whose firm has long supported Myton Hospices as its chosen charity, managed to raise £2,900 from the once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the group of 25 amassed more than £46,000 between them.
Donna said: “The trek was everything I imagined it would be, and so much more.
“Walking along parts of the Great Wall that few people get to see was something I will never forget. It was simply breathtaking.
“This amazing experience was made even more rewarding and momentous for me and my fellow trekkers by knowing that we were doing this for the Myton Hospices and the fantastic work done there.”
Rebecca Richards, Myton’s assistant events manager, was delighted with how well the trek went.
“It went so smoothly, the group got on brilliantly and gelled really well as a team.
“They were challenged with different routes and tracks of the wall each day and then, towards the end of the trip, they had a day of 1,000 steps, followed by 11 watch towers and then the famous Heavenly Ladder.
“The money they raised will help us continue to provide our services to the people who need it most in Coventry and Warwickshire.
“This sort of fund-raising is absolutely vital for The Myton Hospices as we have to raise £9.2 million this year to continue providing our services.”
