FORMER Ballakermeen High School and Isle of Man College student Katie Saxon has completed a week-long charity trek on the Great Wall of China.

The 25-year-old volunteer fundraiser, who now lives in Nottingham and works in internet marketing, walked approximately 50km over five days and has so far raised £3,419 for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

She faced a tough trek, having to overcome vertigo and mild sunstroke while tackling thousands of steps, sheer climbs and unstable and crumbling surfaces along both reconstructed and unrestored sections of the wall.

Katie, whose mum is a committee administrator with Douglas Borough Council, chose to take on the challenge as a tribute to her close friend Hannah King who died in 2010 of a brain tumour.

Katie said: "I had no idea how tough the trek would be - both mentally and physically. I had done lots of training, but nothing can quite prepare you for the difficulties you'll face on the wall.

"I'm glad it was hard though - Hannah was so brave and I'm proud to have done a trek that I found so challenging in her memory.

"CLIC Sargent was such a huge support to Hannah and her family - both before and after her death - and the importance of the work they do cannot be overestimated."

She explained that unlike many charities CLIC Sargent funds social workers as well as medical staff and facilities, and supports children and young adults with cancer throughout the UK.

She added: "The charity helps cancer patients in so many ways, providing an invaluable service that makes life better for young cancer sufferers and their families."

Katie is still accepting sponsorship for her trek. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/trekforhannah