Belsize Park man in daring Great Wall of China charity trek

A Belsize Park man has completed the challenge of a lifetime trekking along the Great Wall of China to help children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Ashley Brannan, who lives in Lawn Road, climbed 85km to great heights along the ancient fortification to raise �1,900 for the hospital.

The 23-year-old recruitment consultant put himself forward for the challenge on behalf of his work, and also had a sponsored “Mohican” head shave to raise extra funds.

Trekking from September 24 to October 3 in a team of 16 involved sleeping four to a bed and enduring cold showers.

But Mr Brannan insisted it was worth it and said: “It’s great to be able to help the hospital.

“Having seen the fantastic work they do for the children, I am still motivated to continue to raise money for the charity, as it really is a great cause.”

Mr Brannan and his team hope to raise �50,000 to provide essential new equipment for the hospital and support research into better treatments for the children.

In advance of the trek Mr Brannan trained by running around Hampstead Heath and Regents Park, but nothing prepared him for the eye-watering ascents. Due to the thin air and the steep climbs Mr Brannan’s 85km trek was equal to four or five times the same distance on normal terrain.