15 September 2008
Jonathan Djanogly has recently returned from China having spent a week walking the Great Wall of China in order to raise money for charity.

Mr Djanogly was accompanied by his wife, Rebecca alongside other volunteers from the charity Westminster Challenge.

Mr Djanogly said,

'We are back from China - having successfully walked the entire route. It was an amazing experience.

The "Great Wall" is actually a series of walls built, over a number of centuries of different designs, in brick or stone.

The areas which we covered were mainly well off the beaten track. So much so, that on two days we saw no-one outside of our group on the wall.

Walking up to the wall in September, basically involved beating our way up steep hills through jungle and avoiding spiders bigger than our fists. Once on the wall we were treated to a series of spectacular views; although these had to be earned by hours of walking up and down broken steps. Only limited sections have been restored which often meant scrambling over loose rock. What also made it difficult was the irregularity of the height of the steps - but we are certainly fitter people for it!

We much enjoyed the company of our group who were all connected, in one way or another, with the Westminster village. We had a fascinating time and learnt much about Chinese culture and the Chinese people; who were very hospitable to us. It was great also to raise a good sum for our chosen charities and we pass on our sincere thanks to those who supported us'.

 

Photo: Jonathan Djanogly spent a week walking the Great Wall of China in order to raise money for charity.