A Caerphilly teenager is taking on a 22-mile trek across the Great Wall of China in memory of her nan, who lost her life to cancer.
Gabriella Holmes will be setting off on May 13 for the five-day charity hike and has raised almost £4,500 for Cancer Research Wales.
Gabriella, a receptionist at business start-up centre Welsh ICE, was first told of the opportunity to visit Asia after her father heard details on the radio last year.
She said: “My nan, Carol Holmes, was 47 when she died in 1995 and I never got the chance to meet her.
“I’ve heard so many stories about how wonderful she was and seen so many photographs. I’m doing this trek for other children so they have a chance to meet their grandparents.”
Since signing up to the event in November last year, Gabriella has been busy preparing and raising funds. Her target was £3,000, but with the support of family and friends has managed to exceed that by almost £1,500.
The 18-year-old, who has held a long-term ambition to visit Asia, said: “My family think I am insane, but they are proud of me and they say I am an inspiration.”
As well as the support of her friends and family, work colleagues at Welsh ICE have also been helping. Two companies based at the centre, Wize Administration and My Discombobulated Brain, will have their logos emblazoned on Gabriella’s kit.
You can donate to Gabriella’s fundraising at goo.gl/eKTiUM.