Walk the Great Wall with Steve for charity

12:00pm Saturday 10th May 2008

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PHOTOGRAPHER Steve Parker is looking for big-hearted walkers to join him for the trek of a lifetime.

Steve owns Biddulph-based A1 Fotograffix, and is using the trek along the Great Wall of China to raise money for a hospital unit.

He wants to raise £50,000 to refurbish a cystic fibrosis and infectious diseases unit at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

"The trip will help local charity Breath of Life kickstart its £250,000 project to reinvigorate the unit, which will consist of 18 isolation rooms," said Steve.

"The intention is to make the patients' hospital stays as bearable as possible, so they have been consulted about the facilities they want in each room.

"A gym will also be provided for their use, and the unit is expected to be finished and completed by September 2010.

"To hit my £50,000 target I need 27 people to commit to raising at least £3,000 each, to pay for the trip and generate £1,700 for the Stoke on Trent charity.

"My wife Helen, stepdaughter Dawn and I went on trips to the Inca Trail in Peru in 2004 and 2005, and raised £20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support between the three of us.

"It was obviously a big challenge, and we found things got quite competitive, as everyone tried to outdo each other and raise the most.

"We're hoping the same thing will happen this time."

The nine-day trek is due to take place in May 2009, and those taking part will be helped to organise fundraising events.

For more details ring Steve on 07984-427207.