A Timaru early childhood teacher has tackled one of the wonders of the world in an effort to raise funds for children in need.
In late October, North Haven’s Tracey Layt spent a week with a group of Barnardos Aotearoa supporters, walking a 38.5km section of the Great Wall of China, as part of the organisation’s Brighter Futures Challenge.
The challenge served as a fundraiser to help keep Barnardos’ What’s Up helpline running.
Miss Layt said it was a once in a lifetime adventure.
‘‘I had dreamed of seeing the wall in person for so long over the years but had never really dreamed that one day I would actually be standing on it.
‘‘Words can’t really explain the feeling — breathtaking, amazing, stunning, surreal don’t come anywhere close to describing it and photos don’t do it justice.
‘‘Knowing I was stepping on something that has stood for many thousands of years was so surreal. The highest point of the wall was 1000m above sea level — it felt like standing on the edge of the world.
‘‘I could see the vastness of the area and the wall just going on and on. I could also see where we had been and just how much of an accomplishment it was.’’
She was proud of her efforts, both with raising $4386 for the fundraiser and completing the challenging trek.
‘‘It wasn’t easy but the knowledge that I was helping children in crisis spurred me on to do my best to help them. I was truly humbled by all the people who were willing to donate and help me surpass my target.
‘‘It was also a humbling experience to wear my supporters’ T-shirt on the wall and know that it was because [of] all the awesome people on the back of it that I was able to take those steps on the wall. The trek was super tough, especially with some steps being steep and waist high.
‘‘It was a pleasure to do the challenge alongside a wonderful bunch of similar minded and passionate people who quickly came to feel like extended family.’’
Walking the Great Wall of China had been a goal she wanted to complete with her father before his death.
‘‘One of the most poignant moments was when I stood on the wall wearing my dad’s children’s day T-shirt and took time to reflect and remember him while staring out at the amazing surrounds I was in.’’
‘‘I could feel him there with me, smiling and telling me how proud he was of me,’’ Miss Layt said.
She encouraged anyone thinking about undertaking a similar fundraiser to just go for it.
‘‘Face your fear and just do it — you will be surprised what you can achieve.
‘‘It is so worth the effort as you get such a buzz knowing you are helping and supporting a charity and doing good.’’
Miss Layt is holding one final fundraiser at 4pm on Saturday at the Timaru Salvation Army.
She will be giving a talk and sharing her experiences from the trip.
It will be a gold coin entry.
