A local family will trek the Great Wall of China to raise funds for the planned Dyson Cancer Centre at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath in gratitude for the care given to their relative, Karen Thayer.

Karen’s brother-in-law, Brian Thayer and sister-in-law, Barbara Michell, along with her niece, Laura Michell, have signed up to take part in The Forever Friends Appeal’s China Trek to hike along the Great Wall of China in October and raise money for RUH patients living with cancer.

Karen Thayer, aged 49, from Radstock was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer last summer, and has been receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment at the RUH for a number of years.

Barbara Michell, Karen’s sister-in-law who is taking part in the trek, said: “It’s been such a difficult time for Karen, her husband, Andrew, and the rest of the family, so to show our support and help other people who are living with cancer, we have signed up to do the China Trek and raise money for the Cancer Care campaign. Karen’s brother-in-law, Brian, turned sixty in December, and said he was looking for a challenge, as well as donating his 100th pint of blood this year, so he suggested the trek to us.”

“We all love travelling, and we can’t wait to take on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and visit one of the seven wonders of the world, as well as support Karen. We have started fundraising, and were pleased to receive a £500 donation from Centre Parcs, as voted by Brian’s colleagues. We have more fundraising activities planned, including cake sales, a ladies’ lunch, and a family celebration party, to help us reach our fundraising target.”

Maddy Jones, Senior Events Fundraiser, The Forever Friends Appeal, said: “We are delighted that Brian, Barbara and Laura have joined our trekking team and are raising funds for such an important cause. They will be heading off on 5th October, and it’s going to be such a great adventure for them. As well as trekking 36km along the Great Wall of China, they will explore Beijing’s Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the famous Tiananmen Square – it’s not to be missed!

“There are some places still available on the China trek and we are inviting anyone interested to come to our information evening on Wednesday, 23rd January, which starts at 7 p.m. at the RUH. Please come along and hear more about the trek itinerary and ask questions before signing up.”

This year, The Forever Friends Appeal is celebrating 20 years of fundraising for the RUH and will be taking the opportunity to look back at past achievements, thank their supporters and highlight the charity’s current campaigns and appeals to further improve patient care at the RUH and need support from the public.

For more information about the trek, contact the Senior Events Fundraiser via email: [email protected]. Readers can also visit: www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk