Health correspondent Joanna Codd will be lacing up her walking boots next month to take part in a charity trip to the Great Wall of China.

Joanna, who works for the Daily Echo in Bournemouth, is to join a team of 16 on a nine-day trip which will see them exploring sections of the ancient wall.

The team will have to walk an average of between five and seven hours a day, often climbing and descending from steep ridges.

And although Joanna has taken part in several charity walks in the past, she admits that this will be an altogether different challenge.

She said: "I don't think there will be any comparison. With the others at least I could go home and go to bed - this time we will be camping near small villages where our toilet facilities will be rudimentary and showers a distant dream."

All the sponsorship money the team raises will go to the Poole Hospital Valentine Fund, and will help equip the hospital's new cardiac unit.

Joanna said: "I am not going to make up the numbers, nor do I consider this a holiday. Like the other people on this Great Wall of China Trek my main aim is to raise money for local heart patients.

"But unlike my team mates, I will be reporting for the Daily Echo on how we fare.

"In my job as health correspondent for the Daily Echo, I have met some amazing men, women and children who have had to cope with heart problems, in most cases through no fault of their own.

"Many would love to be able to tackle a long distance walk, so I feel I am doing it on their behalf."

The trip begins on October 25 and lasts for nine days, including five days of walking.

Joanna is aiming to raise £1,400 in sponsorship, which will all go to the Valentine Fund.

If you would like to sponsor her you can contact her at joanna.codd@bournemouthecho.co.uk or call 01202 411296.

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