St Barnabas House Dream Tream Great Wall of China walk – Day four

Today (Thursday, October 7), the 52-strong group climbed the infamous ‘heavenly ladder’ – an exhausting steep 452 steps to the top of a mountain.

Reporter Sarah Dale, who is part of the Dream Team, said: “We started our fourth day at the Mutinayu section of the wall by ascending no less than 1,000 steps ­– it was incredibly tough considering we had already completed three days hard trekking across the beautiful Great Wall.

“Once we had passed those steps it was time to make our way along the wall, up more steps and undulating landscape, until we reached the heavenly ladder – clambering up this set of steps was no mean feat.”

Sarah said once the group had made it to the top of the perilously steep steps, their trek leader Teri said a few words about how significant the heavenly ladder section of the wall was so many of the Dream Team.

Sarah added: “It was a very poignant moment for so many people, being on the aptly name heavenly ladder meant we all felt as close as we could be to loved ones we had lost, and reinforced how important our trip to China is.”

The Dream Team’s trip has raised more than £50,000 for St Barnabas House’s new hospice, currently being built in Titnore Lane, Durrington.

Yesterday (Wednesday, October 6), after day three of the trek in Jinshanling, the Dream Team enjoyed another delicious Chinese banquet and afterwards sat around a bonfire singing songs, and some of the group even performed a rendition of the “conga”.

On Friday the team will complete their final day of trekking, as well as returning to Beijing where they will be visiting a jade factory, having herbal tea with a Chinese family, going on a rickshaw ride, and having a much-needed reflexology massage.

Every member of the Dream Team wishes to express their sincere thanks to every Herald reader, family member and friend who has been following their progress.