Shamim Khan from West Bridgford recently returned from what she described as the greatest adventure of her life by walking The Great Wall of China.
Between Saturday 18th and Sunday 26th October 2025 Shamim enjoyed the sweeping views and stunning scenery.
With more than six hours of walking each day, there was ample time for her and her fellow trekkers to share their stories and the heartfelt reasons behind the charities they were supporting.
She explained: “I always knew this was going to be the most wonderful adventure, but didn’t realise I was going to meet so many amazing and inspiring people along the way.”
Her friends and family had encouraged her tirelessly through months of training, and she soon realised how crucial that preparation had been.
Shamim said: “The Great Wall isn’t just long – it’s demanding! Over 3,300 metres of ascent, steep descents, and constantly changing terrain tested her balance and nerve, especially on sections where the ancient stones had eroded dramatically.”
Fortunately for Shamim and her fellow walkers, the weather was kind, mostly dry and sunny, though some higher stretches were blanketed in snow, creating breathtaking photo opportunities.
On the final day, Shamim conquered the ‘Heavenly Staircase’ and reached the Heroes’ Platform, the steepest and most daunting climb of the trek. Wrapped in mist, the summit felt both eerie and exhilarating. Standing there, exhausted but elated, she felt an overwhelming sense of achievement, knowing she had reached her goal to raise vital funds for the Air Ambulance.
After a week of ten-mile days, completed injury-free – she even joined a small group to explore a derelict stretch of the Wall. “Going the extra mile,” she said with a smile, “is exactly what the Air Ambulance is all about.”
You can support Shamim’s mammoth effort by visiting: https://events.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/fundraisers/ShamimKhan/great-wall-discovery-hems