Trek THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA FOR MARIE CURIE 6-14 October 2018 Register online now at mariecurie.org.uk/china or call 0800 716 146
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA Explore the mysteries of the Great Wall of China and raise money for your local Marie Curie Nurses. Trek the 15th century Ming dynasty hardrock wall, before descending on local trails to experience the rural life of people in the Hebei province. Brian Morrison/Marie Curie China TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF A LIFE TIME FOR MARIE CURIE We re here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families our work is only possible thanks to amazing supporters like you. When you challenge yourself in China, you ll be helping our nurses provide expert care, guidance and support. Every step you take along the Great Wall will help people living with a terminal illness, and their loved ones, get the most from the time they have left together. 2
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES 180 pays for a Marie Curie Nurse to look after someone living with a terminal illness overnight in their own home. 350 pays for five people to attend day therapy at a Marie Curie Hospice, benefitting from gentle exercise, emotional support and more. 400 pays for someone to stay in a Marie Curie Hospice for 24 hours, so that they can receive the hands-on care they need in their final days. 3
DAY 1 Depart UK DAY 2 Arrive Beijing Upon arrival in Beijing you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon will be free to explore and in the evening you will walk to the restaurant for dinner and a trip briefing. DAY 3 Beijing Gubeikou 3-4 hours walking In the morning you will depart Beijing and travel to Gubeikou at the border of Hebei province where the trek starts. After stopping for lunch you will explore a section of the wall on a high ridge above the township. The trail ascends to several prominent towers, which afford great views of the terrain. You then descend down the other side to a temple and onwards to the campsite. 4
Thinkstock Trekking the Great Wall of China was my first trek for Marie Curie and was so wonderful it inspired me to sign up for two more! A brilliant time, fabulous scenery, wonderful food and new friends. Marie Curie trekker DAY 4 Explore the old Great Wall 7 hours walking Today you will ascend and explore a spectacular section of the wall above the Gubeikou valley. This is a littlevisited section and offers views of a wild landscape. After ascending from the valley floor, you will walk on parts of the wall that have deteriorated. The terrain will be very uneven with lots of loose stones, narrow sections and some steep drops. DAY 5 Gubeikou Jinshanling 7-8 hours walking Today you set off early, trekking through farm land and the village of Gubeikou before ascending a short but steep trail to access the wall. Today is very open to the elements with towers spaced quite far apart. There are some steep drops but the wall is wide allowing for plenty of space to walk. The wall in this area remains deteriorated in most parts with loose rocks and steps. You will descend to camp via a local farm trail. This evening you will camp in the Hebei Province. 5
DAY 6 Jinshanling Simatai 7-8 hours walking Today you will walk towards a restored section of the wall, which was built in the 15th century. You will pass through 10 Towers, ascending and descending many sets of stairs and undulating paths. The final part of the walk descends on a winding trail to your waiting vehicles, which transfer you the short distance to your final camp by Simatai Reservoir. DAY 7 Simatai Beijing 4 hours walking Today s walk is challenging, with some scrambling sections and a rugged climb to the summit of Beijing Tower. Your efforts are well worth it as you are rewarded with stunning vistas and awe inspiring views back across to Hebei. The descent takes us down the other side of the valley which is open to the elements. There are some sections of scree so you will need to proceed slowly and take in the amazing accomplishment of completing the challenge. After lunch you will transfer back to Beijing. Thinkstock 6
Thinkstock An experience of a lifetime, with a variety of adventures and spectacular views. Marie Curie trekker DAY 8 Beijing Today you have a full day in Beijing to explore some of the most majestic and historically significant sites of this immense city. Starting with Tiananmen Square your guide will explain the history and significance of this area. You will then visit the Forbidden City, so called as it was off limits to the general public for over 500 years. You take a full tour of this marvellous enclave, inspecting the massive courtyards. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before a visit to the lake area. In the evening you will enjoy a final dinner together to celebrate your achievements. DAY 9 Depart Beijing and return to UK 7
ESSENTIAL Registration INFORMATION 299 fee (non-refundable) Minimum sponsorship 3450 9 day trip with five days trekking Trip grading 9 days challenging 8
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Who can take part? Anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for a challenge is able to take part. The majority will be on their own, but some will go with friends, partners or relatives. This event will be tough and exhilarating, but it will be fantastically rewarding and is suitable for anyone with a bit of grit, determination and willingness to work as part of a team. How fit do I need to be? This trek is challenging. All our trekking challenges are designed to suit people who are fit and have trained to take part the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the adventure. We walk approximately 12-18 kilometres (5-7 hours) per day. Will I need specialist kit? We will send you a recommended packing list in your welcome pack which will detail any specialist equipment you may need. What s not included? Registration fee Travel insurance Recommended vaccinations Tips and gratuities Chinese visa 60-90 Personal spending money WHAT S INCLUDED Return flights Local transfers Accommodation Trek leader Medic All meals while trekking 9
What will we eat and drink? All the water on the trek will be boiled and safe to drink. Breakfast will consist of cereals, local breads and eggs. A typical lunch will include salads, cold meats, eggs, rice, bread and cheese with fruit and biscuits. In the evening there will be a hot meal, normally three courses, comprising soup, main meal and dessert. Please let us know in advance of any special dietary requirements and feel free to bring any of your favourite snacks. What about vaccinations? As a guide, Typhoid, Diptheria and Hepatitis A vaccinations are advisable, Tetanus and Polio vaccinations should be up to date. You are advised to seek professional medical advice from your GP. How will I be supported? Beforehand: You will be sent a fundraising pack with great tips on how to meet your sponsorship target. We will be in touch regularly and will organise a briefing day where you ll meet other trekkers and hear more about the challenge. During the trip: Your group will be accompanied by a qualified doctor and trek leader, as well as a Marie Curie representative. Local guides will escort the group along the route. Your luggage will be transported to each night s camp. Can I cover the cost of the trip myself? We ask you to raise a minimum of 3,450. A minimum of 2,254* will go directly to Marie Curie, as well as anything you raise over the minimum sponsorship. If you would like to pay 10 for the trip yourself please contact us on 0800 716 146** for further information. What will the weather be like? The weather should be mild and warm with the possibility of showers. The nights can be cold. The weather can change without warning so it s best to be prepared. Passports and visas Participants should have at least six months validity on their passports from the date of return to the UK. Everyone travelling from the UK will require a Chinese tourist visa. We will send further details nearer the time. Can I extend my stay? Anyone wanting to stay on after the trek can arrange to do so through World Expeditions at an additional cost and subject to availability. Please note that you may need to buy a separate visa if you are extending your trip. Do overseas challenges damage the environment? Marie Curie is committed to responsible tourism. This challenge is organised by our tour operator, World Expeditions, which employs local staff and suppliers, creates minimal environmental impact and positively contributes to conservation, working with local environmental groups as well as bringing in revenue through tourism to remote areas of China.
FUNDRAISING FOR MARIE CURIE When you take on an overseas challenge for Marie Curie, we re here to help and support you every step of the way. Your local Marie Curie fundraiser Once you ve registered, you will be put in touch with your local Marie Curie fundraiser who will help you with your fundraising plans and offer advice whenever you need it. Welcome pack We ll send you a welcome pack and fundraising guide full of tried and tested tips to help you smash your target. If you d like to see some ideas for fundraising before you get your pack, check out this page on our website mariecurie.org.uk/event-fundraising-tips Getting started A great first step is setting up a JustGiving page. This is the quickest and easiest way to tell people that you re fundraising and to gather your sponsorship online. Get personal Tell people why you re doing this challenge. People respond best to personal stories. Don t forget to add some photos or videos. Make the most of social media Announce your sponsorship page and ask people for donations on Facebook and Twitter. Add your JustGiving web address to your email signature so everyone you contact can see it. And don t forget to tweet it too! Supersize your fundraising See if your employer will match your fundraising pound for pound, or up to a fixed amount. And ask your sponsors to Gift Aid their donation. Get in touch Please do get in touch if you have any questions or want support. We d love to hear from you on 0800 716 146.** mariecurieuk *Based on minimum participant numbers. **Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. Your call may be recorded for quality and training purposes. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am 5pm. 11
REGISTER NOW For more information visit mariecurie.org.uk/overseas If you have any questions feel free to call us on 0800 716 146** or email events@mariecurie.org.uk 4491 We re here for people living with any terminal illness, and their families. We offer expert care, guidance and support to help them get the most from the time they have left. mariecurie.org.uk Charity reg no. 207994 (England & Wales), SC038731 (Scotland) B341a