By Safira Ali

Last updated at 13:36, Wednesday, 08 April 2009

A Cleator Moor father and son are to trek the Great Wall of China to raise money for a cancer charity.

The men, both called David Barnes, will leave the UK on April 19. They expect to start the 200 kilometre trek on April 20 when they will be travelling from Gubrikou to Xinchen.

David Jnr, 34, said: “We are doing the self-funded trek in support of two charities, Cancer Research UK and St Patrick’s Primary School at Cleator Moor.

“Cancer Research UK is close to both of our hearts with the loss of two close family members, two in remission and a six-year-old family member currently fighting cancer.

“The other charity, St Patrick’s School, is trying to raise funds for the provision of a nurture area in support of children with special needs.”

David snr, 53, said: “We have had a few family members who have had cancer. We are trying to raise as much money as we can for Cancer Research. Everyone at Sellafield has been very generous.

“It is the first time either of us have done something like this. We expect the trek to take about nine days and will be camping out every night.

“We have both been out walking as much as we can to get ready for the trek. We go about three to four times a week. I am looking forward to it. I am not nervous yet.”

The father and son who both work at Sellafield, at Legacy Ponds and Silos, said they have been surprised by the help they have had from colleagues and contractors.

David snr added: “The support we have got from colleagues at Sellafield has been excellent. We have not counted all the money up yet, but so far I have raised about £4,000.”

If you are interested in donating contact David senior on dbarnes980@btinternet.com or write to: 12 Crowgarth Close, Cleator Moor, CA255AZ.

First published at 11:36, Wednesday, 08 April 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk