Do You Have The Balls to Skydive for us???

Take On the challenge of a lifetime from 10,000ft !!

Enjoy the exhilaration and unforgettable feeling of a Skydive – Flying through the clouds from over 10,000ft at up to 120 mph.

We are looking for thrill seeking fundraisers to take on this once in a lifetime challenge and if you raise enough sponsorship you can jump for free!!

You will be strapped to your British Parachute Association tandem instructor who does all the hard work for you, leaving you to enjoy the invigorating feeling of free fall before gliding to the ground.

More experienced? Try static line where you will complete a solo jump from 3,000ft, with your parachute pulled automatically as you leave the aircraft, or the accelerated free fall, with the thrill of skydiving solo from up to 12,000ft !

You can jump from one of over 20 BPA airfields across the UK and no experience is necessary as training will be given before you jump.

The incredible challenge will give you the biggest adrenaline rush you could ever imagine as you soar through the air knowing you have helped raise invaluable funds for Balls to Cancer.

So what are you waiting for ?? Book HERE now!

Balls To Cancer Christmas Ball 2019

On Friday the 29th of November we celebrated our 8th annual Christmas ball where the New Life Rockeries will attend after all the help they have done with so many patients. We enjoyed great food and brilliant entertainment with hundreds of guests including many of the cancer fighters we have supported throughout the year and some amazing celebrity guests who gave their time to join us.

Our celebrity guests included, Matt Hoy, Annette Badland, Steve Clamp, The Malone family, Ryan Antony, Dee Kelly, Luke Jerdy and Daisy Wood-Davis

We are very grateful to everyone who came along to dance the night away with us!

We are already planning our 2020 ball (27th November) tickets are now on sale on our store here

Fancy a Bungee???

Ever fancied doing a Bungee Jump? Well make 2019 the year you do it and raise money to help us with our fight against cancer.

We have several locations across the country….

TAMWORTH

160ft jump (minimum sponsorship £100)

Dates 2nd  or 3rd March, 8th & 9th June, 31st August, 1st September, 16th & 17th November

MIDDLESBROUGH

160ft Jump Over Water – (Minimum sponsorship £150)

Dates 10th March, 14th April, 5th May, 9th June, 14th July, 11th August, 15th September, 13th October & 1st December

MAIDENHEAD

160ft Jump Over Water – (Minimum sponsorship £150)

Dates 16th & 17th February, 1st & 2nd June, 14th September & 7th December

300ft Jump Over Water – (Minimum sponsorship £200)

Dates 20th & 21st April, 15th & 16th June, 5th & 6th October

BELFAST

160ft Jump (Minimum sponsorship £100)

Dates 3rd & 4th August

CLIFF, WARWICKSHIRE

160ft Jump (minimum sponsorship £!00)

Dates 2nd & 3rd March, 8th & 9th June, 31st August, 1st September, 16th & 17th November

BRIGHTON

160ft Jump (Minimum Sponsorship £100)

Dates 11th & 12th May, 7th & 8th September

BRISTOL

160ft Jump (Minimum Sponsorship £100)

Dates 18th & 19th May, 19th & 20th October

BEDFORD

160ft Jump (Minimum Sponsorship £100)

Dates 18th & 19th May, 28th & 29th September

LONDON

160ft Jump (Minimum sponsorship £150)

Dates 23rd & 24th February, 23rd & 24th March, 4th, 5th & 6th May, 25th & 26th May, 22nd & 23rd June, 20th & 21st July, 31st August, 1st September, 21st & 22nd September, 26th & 27th October, 23rd & 24th November 14th & 15th December

SALFORD

160ft Jump (Minimum Sponsorship £100)

Dates 2nd February, 6th & 7th April, 29th & 30th June, 17th & 18th August, 26th & 27th October, 7th December

KNUTSFORD

300ft Jump (Minimum Sponsorship £150)

Dates 11th & 12th May, 27th & 28th July, 28th & 29th September

GLASGOW

160ft Jump (Minimum Sponsorship £100)

Dates 1st & 2nd June, 5th & 6th October

CHEPSTOW

400ft Jump (Minimum Sponsorship £200)

24th, 25th & 26th August


Special Activities…..

Awesome foursome- Zipwire, Abseil, Powerfan & Bungee (Minimum Sponsorship £150)

Triple Whammy- Zipwire, Abseil & Powerfan (minimum Sponsorship £100)

Indoor Bungee (minimum sponsorship £100)

ROTHERHAM ONLY

Dates 9th February, 9th March, 13th April, 4th May, 8th June, 13th July, 10th August, 14th September, 12th October, 2nd November, 30th November

 

Balls to Cancer team up with the brilliant Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

To mark Male Health Awareness month, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched a campaign to tackle testicular cancer, which is growing, with diagnoses doubling over the last 30 years. The brand has partnered with the Balls to Cancer charity to urge drivers to check themselves regularly – just like they would with a van service.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has created a TV advert with London-based production company Outside, directed by Jim Gilchrist, that uses its Working With You promise to remind men of the importance of getting themselves checked regularly. To view the video please visit https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/balls-to-cancer.

To make this promise real, the manufacturer has also kitted out a Crafter as a mobile clinic to tour Van Centres; information about instahard will be available on site, and a Balls to Cancer representative and healthcare practitioner will offer advice on self-examination – or answer any other awkward questions on the subject.

According to askhealthnews the UK records around 2,500 cases of testicular cancer every year* – equivalent to more than six a day – yet 98 per cent of cases can be cured if caught early enough. Despite this, research shows men have their hair cut more often than they check their balls.

Sarah Cox, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Our customers’ vans are critical to their livelihoods, both professionally and personally. If there was something wrong with their van it could result in loss of work. It’s no wonder then that our customers are quick to get their van checked even at the smallest sign of an issue.

“But they don’t always apply that same urgency if they find a lump on their testicles. By partnering with Balls to Cancer we’d like men everywhere to take their own health as seriously as they take their vans. A problem with your van could result in the loss of work; testicular cancer could result in the loss of life. You get your van checked, so why not yourself?”

Mark Bates, Balls To Cancer co-founder, said: “We’re delighted to receive the support of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles during Male Health Awareness month. Traditionally men find it hard to talk about things like this but we’re proud to speak out and spread this life-saving message.”

The tour began at Volkswagen Group UK’s Head Office, Milton Keynes on 1 November, and is set to visit a number of Van Centres across England throughout Male Health Awareness Month. Locations include Birmingham Volkswagen Van Centre (5 November), Vindis Van Centre, Northampton (12 November), Cordwallis Van Service Centre, Maidenhead(19 November) and Volkswagen Van Centre, Manchester (26 November). Members of the public can visit any participating Van Centre on the specified date**. To find out more keep an eye on www.facebook.com/VolkswagenCommercialVehiclesUK/ or visit https://ballstocancer.co.uk.

For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

One Of Our Own Gets Devastating News…..

Our BTC Ladies FC brilliant left back Claire (Danger) Dangerfield has been hit by the very disease she and the team help us fight.

Our Danger wanted us to share her story to help others and raise awareness of her cancer.

Unfortunately as she is unable to play until treatment is over she has joined the teams coaching staff.

Please take a moment to read her story……..

So here I am a victim to the scum bag of an illness, Cancer!! Synovial Sarcoma to be exact, don’t worry if you’ve not heard of it, I hadn’t until the 9th October 2018.

I’ll give you a bit of back ground story for those read it this who don’t know me from Adam.

I’m Claire ‘Danger’ Dangerfield, 29 I would say am fit-ish and not overly unhealthy, I could be a bit fitter and weigh a little less but couldn’t everyone? I play for a Sunday league football team, which I didn’t realise how much I loved it until I was told that I needed to pack it in for the season with only 2 games being played – WOUNDED! I have the most supporting boyfriend who has stood by my side through every step, a wicked family who support me in everything I do and a brilliant circle of friends around me. So I would call myself normal (Some who know me will disagree but I’m still sticking with normal)

So where did it all start.

A lump of all places on the back of my right elbow, yep that’s it now I know that the lump is cancer?? On my elbow??? Strange isn’t it.

Because this lump on my elbow was just a lump on a weird place I’ve learnt to live with it for roughly 6 months! Seems mental when I say it out loud. The only reason I went to the doctors to get it looked into was because it’s resting on my nerve that runs down my arm so any slight knock fecking killed!

Firstly I was told that it’s likely to be bursitis and to take anti-inflammatories and that should sort it. Two weeks later no change. Back to the doctors again.

At this appointment I was sent for an ultra sound, results advises nothing untoward, then I get referred for an MRI.

My MRI report comes back and that’s the first mention of Sarcoma, which is a form of cancer – WHAT THE ACTUAL F !!!

From my MRI report I get referred to the Royal Orthopaedic in Birmingham who have been nothing but brilliant!!! Not just myself but my other half who had has his own questions that needed to be answered. People forgot about the person/ people who are stood by your side watching their loved ones suffer.

The Royal Orthopaedic requested that I have a biopsy and that will give me a defined answer as to what this lump is.

On the 2nd October 2018 I get a call that completely knocked me sideways !!!

Hi Claire is Anita (one of the nurses) here calling from the Royal Orthopaedic we have had your results back from your biopsy. I’m sorry to advice but results have confirmed it is cancer. The conversation went on but I can’t really remember what got said.

That was it ! Months of thinking it’s just swollen it will go down to it won’t be cancer I feel fine it’s definitely not cancer was changed in a call that lasted roughly 5 minutes !

Now the call lasted 5 minutes because I had no questions for The remainder of the call I couldn’t stop thinking that regardless of what happens now I had to some how also let my boyfriend, my mom and dad, my sister’s and brother in law know.

Right then no point running from it now I just need to stay positive and let them know I may have cancer but I am going to be okay !!! It’s not beating me, no chance of that !!!!

How do you deal with the person you love staring you in the eyes and saying my results have come back and it’s cancer. The truth is I don’t know because I’m the person telling people around me that’s it’s me affected. It’s a scary word Cancer and people don’t know who to deal with being told and rightly so who would prepare themselves for that?

So from the 2nd October I get booked in for a CT scan & MRI on that Friday the 5th and from there my appointment with Mr Scott Evans on the 9th October at 16.20 (longest day of my LIFE)

I’m sat in the waiting room with Russell to my right and a woman to my left who I think is there for appointment as she is as white as a sheet. That moment there I thought regardless of what Mr Scott Evans is going to say to me I am going to be okay. This will hinder me for a little bit but not for long because of where it is and mainly because I won’t let it ! I will still be able to live a fairly normal life. The woman directly to my left my not be able to. Yea it’s not ideal but there is someone out there who is worse off than me.

I sat in Mr Evans consultation room and just said it is what is it, what happens now?

First thing he said ‘It’s not spread’

I didn’t even think I was worried about that but I felt a weight lift so I must have been.

Mr Evans confirmed the road I have to follow which will be radiotherapy which my radiographer will confirm for how long.

My nurse Emma, who is ace advised it’s likely to be 6 weeks.

So potentially 6 weeks radio therapy the shrink it the lump down 6 week break and then my operation.

The reason I need radiotherapy is purely because I’m special! Or unlucky but I’m happy to stick with special !

This lump has decided to grow leaning against my bone, nerve, ligaments and tendons as well as my muscle !!! As I said special !

So my radio will shrink it down so when they operate on me will limit the risks of lasting effects.

I raised the question of how had this come about because I don’t understand with my consultant.

Mr Scott Evans confirmed that only 2 in every 100,000 people are diagnosed with the type of cancer I have got. It’s name: Synovial sarcoma and yes the brutal truth of it is that if I had left it, it would have undoubtedly spread and likely to have seen the end of me.

After surgery I will be back for scans and an appointment 1 every 3 months for the first 2 years. After 2 years I have to go back for scans and appointments every 6 months until year 5 and after that until the 10th year once a year. Mr Scott Evans did advise we would become good friends thought this process after all.

I know that I’m a bit unlucky but I could have been told worse news.

The moral of this story is cancer doesn’t have a type of person it choses to affect. Lumps aren’t supposed to be there!

I’ve learnt my lesson if it’s there go and get it checked out. Yes is scary but ultimately asking the doctors What is this? Can save your life.

I’m not too proud to admit that if this lump on my elbow had not have been resting on my nerve I would have left it because ‘its probably nothing’ mentality. It could have killed me !!

I will be okay, too many people aren’t.

Please don’t be an ostrich and stick your head in the sand go and if there’s a lump get it checked out !!!!

While I have the moment to tell my story I want to thank my work for being really supportive of me, my friends who I will never be able to truly express how much all your support for both myself & Russell means to me, my football family you’ll all be deaf by the end of season for me screaming from the side lines, my family from my mom and dad to my sister’s and brother in law as well as my crazy in laws for standing by and being even more supportive than normal and lastly but by no means least Russell Bradbury you are my everything and I could not have stayed this positive as I have if you were not by my side!

So there you have it my story so far, this is not about seeking attention but solely to raise awareness.

Cancer does not discriminate against any being.
 

 

It’s Chico Time…..

The Fantastic Chico has invited you and your friends to join him and the guys from Blockfit to an amazing evening of entertainment and fun hosted by the legendary comedian Bobby Davro.

Entertainment by Chico, sensational vocals of Cole Page,the incredible singing talent of Shayne Nolan and the Nolan band….. plus a few more surprise performances.

Tickets are £90 each but you can get them at a special Charity price of £70. So get your tickets today here and enter the password BF87249

Can you help us Fund a Second Making Memories Holiday Home.

We have been given the oppertunity by the wonderful people at Haven Holidays to purchase a SECOND holiday home in their fantastic Burnham on Sea Holiday park.

It would be beyond our wildest dreams to be able to double our ability to offer FREE holidays to families fighting cancer.

We need your help to fundraise as much of the £30,000 purchase price as we can doing anything you can.

Every single penny counts so even if you think “Its not worth me doing anything I’ll only raise a tenner” do it! because if we can get enough supporters raising £10 we will soon fund it all.

So please do what ever you can to help us give more magnificent free holidays to families fighting this vile disease!

We are looking for sponsors to help us fund it….

Sponsors will be given spot on our website where they can advertise their business and this will be shared throughout our social media network of over 100,000 UK Supporters.

Sponsors can fund anything from a week to a year or beyond (as below)

Sponsor a week for £350

Sponsor a Fortnight for £600

Sponsor a month for £1100

Sponsor a year for £10,000

As you can see the more you sponsor the less you pay…

Can You Take the Heat of the Sahara??

We welcome you to explore the Sahara with us. This trek will provide you with an unbelievable experience as you take in mesmerising landscapes and golden sand dunes before camping under the star-scattered sky! This is a challenging trek with a beautiful backdrop where you will step out of your comfort zone, enjoy delicious traditional Moroccan food and make friends for life around the camp fire. Make sure you get a proper outdoor caravan insurance like this https://www.comparestaticcaravaninsurance.co.uk/

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE…

Date

7th – 12th November 2019

No. of days

6 days (5 nights)

Registration Fee

Dominic Carolan Co-Founder

Took on the Three Peaks Challenge, London to Amsterdam Cycle, Paris to Geneva Cycle, Vietnam Cycle, North and South Downs way and many more!

Secure your place on this challenge with a registration fee of £199.(1)

Funding options

Charity Fundraiser: Pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship amount of £1,950.(2)
or
Self-funder: Choose to pay the tour costs of £975 yourself.(3)

Reserve your space on the trek here or head to www.skylineoverseas.co.uk

Notes:

1. The registration fee is non-refundable. 2. All fundraising incurs costs. The tour costs are 50% of the minimum sponsorship level. The first 80% of this minimum sponsorship is due 12 weeks before the event. 3. Those who self-fund their place will receive an invoice for the tour costs 14 weeks before the event.

Skyline Events and the charity act as agents for Skyline Tour Operations Ltd. (ATOL protected 10069)

SIGN UP HERE

ATOL:

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about

financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Skyline Tour Operations Ltd – ATOL Number 10069

HANNAH’S GUIDE TO THE SAHARA

Hannah has taken on many incredible bucket list challenges during her time at Skyline as our Operations Manager and she couldn’t wait to tick off the Sahara Desert! Here she shares her trip tips…

“This is such a unique experience, to trek through the desert and sleep under the stars is completely out of the ordinary and something you will never forget! You’ll take yourself out of your comfort zone and into an environment you’ve probably never experienced before but it’s definitely worth it, you make true friendships along the way as you encourage each other up that next sand dune – it’s incredible!”

Hannah’s Top Tips

Like any challenge, this trek will take you out of your comfort zone but is sure to be an experience that stays with you forever!

Travel with an open mind – you’re about to spend 6 days with a group of people you probably don’t know. Embrace it, support each other and you’ll come back to the UK with firm friends for life. Did someone say reunion?!

Follow the kit list but don’t be scared to stick to what you know. Though we recommend trekking poles to help with some tricky sections of the route, don’t worry if they’re not for you – there is no point spending money on items you’re not going to benefit from!

Packing a few home comforts will make all the difference, whether its crisps, sweets or some squash to liven up your water.

Support

From the moment you sign onto the challenge, to the trip itself, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
You’ll have your own dedicated Event Coordinator in the office who will be on hand to help with anything from providing flight details to discussing fundraising ideas and what to pack. On the challenge itself you’ll be accompanied by an experienced Skyline Leader and UK Doctor as well as our local guides who will work tirelessly to get us all safely and happily across the desert!

Exploring Morocco

Our Sahara Dunes Trek takes us across the world’s largest hot desert! For a nominal admin fee you can extend your flights and choose to continue your adventure in Morocco, be it visiting the Atlas Mountains or travelling to Marrakesh to barter in its world famous markets.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Ouarzazate
Depart London for Ouarzazate, Morocco. Upon arrival we will meet our local guides and transfer to our hotel accommodation for a good night’s rest before our challenge starts in the morning!

Day 2

After an early wake-up call and our first sight of Morocco in daylight we depart on our journey to the edge of the desert and the start of our trek. We stop for lunch en-route and buy a traditional headscarf in preparation for the days ahead. On arrival at the village of M’Hamid we load up the camels and start our trek through bare fields and palm trees. Towards late afternoon we will arrive at M’Hamid El Rhozlane, which will play host to our camp for the night.

Approx. 3 hours trekking.

Day 3

We wake to sunrise and stillness in the desert air. After a hearty breakfast we set off past the cliffs of the southern Drâa towards the first dunes of Ait Oumir. After stopping to re-fuel at lunch we continue over sand dunes before we reach our camp shaded by Tamarisk trees.

Approx. 6 hours trekking

Day 4

Another day brings new challenges as we trek along the banks of the Drâa and catch our first sight of L’erg Zaher, the highest dunes in this region. Our afternoon focus is to tackle the steep climb of the dune, careful with every step we make in the deep sand until we reach the top with breathtaking views. Our camp for the night is at the foot of these dunes.

Approx. 6 hours trekking

Day 5

We rise early in time to pack up camp for the final time. We leave camp and head towards the dry river bed of the Drâa across which are the Erg Smar dunes where our drivers will meet us. After a short drive to M’hamid we grab some lunch before settling in for our drive back to Ouarzazate. This evening (after a chance to freshen up!) we will enjoy a celebration meal at a local restaurant to toast our desert achievements. Approx. 3 hours trekking.

Day 6 Depart for London
Morning transfer to the airport for our flight back to London

Due to the nature of the challenge, this complex itinerary is subject to change.

KEY FACTS

What’s Included?

Accommodation, return flights and in-country travel, all meals during trekking days, water, fully qualified UK Leader, UK Doctor, and local crew.(1)

Accommodation

You will be camping throughout the trek. Before and after the challenge we’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in Ouarzazate.

Climate

Temperatures can reach 30°C during the day and the sun is very strong in the desert, however you should be prepared for the temperature to get a lot cooler at night.

Meals

You will enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine throughout the trek – you certainly won’t go hungry! Most dietary requirements can be catered for, please advise upon booking.

Packing

We’ll provide you with a kit list tailored to this challenge when you book. Whilst on the trek your main bag will be transported for you so all you need to carry is your day pack with your essential items.

FUNDING YOUR CHALLENGE…

You can choose to raise the full amount of sponsorship to ensure your event costs and minimum amount to your charity are all covered! This way, you don’t have to pay a thing towards your challenge and your charity receives a huge amount of much-needed funds! Both Skyline and your charity will be on hand with fundraising tips and advice to get you started.

You can pay your own event costs – this way every penny you raise will go to your chosen cause! We recognise that a huge part of the challenge can be the fundraising element so with this option you are able to pay for your own place and then raise the remaining amount for charity.

With this option you are able to pay a portion of your event costs (whatever you can manage) and then raise the rest. This just means that you can do a little less fundraising and can make a contribution to your challenge yourself.

Notes:
1. All participants are responsible for their own passports, visas, vaccinations and travel insurance, which you must have. The tour cost does not include airline taxes which will be invoiced directly 6-8 weeks before travel.

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising is certainly achievable if you put your mind to it and needn’t be daunting – the important thing is to let everyone know about the great cause you are fundraising for and to enjoy yourself! With a bit of creativity, energy and determination you will easily be able to reach your fundraising target. Here are some ideas to start you off and we’re more than happy to help with any questions you may have!

Begin by setting up an online donation page and ask everyone you know to donate – the more people you ask, the more you will raise!

Host a dinner night/coffee morning and charge guests for a delicious home cooked meal or tea and cake.

Put on the ultimate fundraising spectacular and host a charity ball!

Host your own pub quiz or bingo night.

Dig out your unwanted treasures and organise a car boot or jumble sale.

Organise a games night and invite friends over, charging for an evening of fun and games!

Leave collection boxes in your local pub or shop or organise a bag pack at your local supermarket.

Your charity will be on hand to provide you with a fundraising pack and plenty of useful hints and tips to help you hit your target!

PREPARATION

All of our challenges are graded from Moderate (1) to Extreme (5) and the Sahara Dunes Trek is graded as Difficult (3).
This challenge is perfect for the intrepid explorer! The terrain is tough and undulating so ample training is required.

This training is essential to prepare yourself for the challenge and you can find a full training guide on your Participant Page upon booking on to the trek.

We will provide you with a full kit list tailored to your trek once you have signed up so that you will be fully prepared before you go! It’s important to purchase good quality kit and equipment that suits you – never underestimate the importance of good walking boots! It’s vital to trek with comfortable shoes that you have worn in during your training months.

We have teamed up with Cotswold Outdoor to offer our Skyline participants a special 15% discount in recognition of your continued support so do utilise this when purchasing your equipment for the challenge! (Further info provided upon booking.)

Challenge yourself to the Great Wall of China in 2019….

We welcome you to explore the Great Wall of China with us. To trek along one of the Seven Wonders of the World is an incredible experience and one that will stay with you for a lifetime. The ideal challenge for those with a passion for history and a sense of adventure, this trek will give you the opportunity to discover China’s hidden charms, astounding cultural past, traditions and mythology.

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE…

Date

12th – 20th September 2019

No. of days

9 days (8 nights)

Registration Fee

Dominic Carolan Co-Founder

Took on the Three Peaks Challenge, London to Amsterdam Cycle, Paris to Geneva Cycle, Vietnam Cycle, North and South Downs way and many more!

Secure your place on this challenge with a registration fee of £349.(1)

Funding options

Charity Fundraiser: Pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship amount of £2,880.(2) or
Self-funder: Choose to pay the tour costs of £1,440 yourself.(3)

Reserve your space on the trek here or head to www.skylineoverseas.co.uk.

Notes:

1. The registration fee is non-refundable. 2. All fundraising incurs costs. The tour costs are 50% of the minimum sponsorship level. The first 80% of this minimum sponsorship is due 12 weeks before the event. 3. Those who self-fund their place will receive an invoice for the tour costs 14 weeks before the event.

Skyline Events and the charity act as agents for Skyline Tour Operations Ltd. (ATOL protected 10069)

ATOL:

All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that

everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Skyline Tour Operations Ltd – ATOL Number 10069

LUCIE’S GUIDE TO CHINA

Lucie, Skyline’s Marketing Manager, got to tick the Great Wall of China Discovery off her bucket list and it has fuelled her passion for travel and exploring! Here she shares her trip tips…

“To visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World is an incredible experience and the Great Wall truly exceeded all of my expectations! From the picturesque water towers, stunning forestry and delicious traditional Chinese food to picture-perfect views, trekking through rural farmland and visiting the Forbidden City – this trek is filled with culture, history and breathtaking scenery, it has it all! You really do make friends for life on these challenges and the memories I made will stay with me forever.”

Lucie’s Top Tips

Like any challenge, this trek will take you out of your comfort zone but is sure to be an experience you never forget!

Travel with an open mind – you’re about to spend 10 days with a group of people you probably don’t know and taking on a completely new challenge. Embrace it, support each other and you’ll come back to the UK with firm friends for life having accomplished a huge achievement!

Packing a few home comforts will make all the difference, be it biscuits, sweets (for that sugar boost on the Wall!) or some squash to liven up your water.

Separate your clothes and toiletries into different dry bags, not only will this help make packing much easier but it will also make finding things quicker during your trek! You should only pack what you need in your day bag to keep it as light as possible!

Support

From the moment you sign onto the challenge to the trip itself, we’ll be with you every step of the way. You’ll have your own dedicated Event Coordinator in the office who will be on hand to help with anything from providing flight details to discussing fundraising ideas and what to pack. On the challenge itself you’ll be accompanied by an experienced Skyline Leader and UK Doctor as well as our local guides who will work tirelessly to get you safely and happily along the Great Wall.

Exploring China

Our Great Wall of China Discovery takes us along the Huangyaguan section of the Wall with routes through Jinshanling and Mutianyu before finishing in the bustling city of Beijing. For a nominal admin fee you can extend your flights and choose to continue your exploring, be it visiting the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, the Li River in Guilin or the Giant Pandas in Chengdu – to name just a few things China has to offer!

ITINERARY

Day 1 Depart London for Beijing.
Meet our crew and your fellow trekkers at London Heathrow for the journey to China.

Day 2 Arrive Beijing
We arrive in Beijing in the early morning and transfer to Huangyaguan where we catch our first glimpse of the Great Wall on our way to the start of the trek. After lunch we set off to tackle the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall which, originally built in 557 AD, is known to be particularly stunning because of its water towers that have all been restored to their former majestic glory.
Approx. 3-4 hours trekking

Day 3 Huangyaguan – Qiankaijian Village
Our hike today leads us straight out of the hotel and onto a restored section of the Wall and by mid-morning we will reach the start of “Heavens Ladder”, a steep, narrow climb of over 300 steps. This is a tough section but at the top we are rewarded with stunning views over the Yanshan Mountains and the region below. After congratulating each other we head up again following a path through shrubbery to join the top of the ridge where our path winds around sections of the old wall. In the afternoon we follow the path down the valley into the mountain village where we will stay tonight in a local-run guesthouse; an unforgettable experience in a remote area of China where few tourists have stayed. Approx. 5-7 hours trekking

Day 4 Qiankaijian Village – Jinshanling
After breakfast we head out of the village up a steep trail alongside farmer’s fields up to the wall where Heibei province, Tianjin City and Beijing meet together, known as the “Three Borders Tablet”. We then make our way West with the un-restored wall to our side as we descend back down to the village where we stop for lunch. After lunch we trek further through the village to meet our coach for the transfer to Jinshanling.
Approx. 4-5 hours trekking

Day 5 Guebikou to Jinshanling
This morning we transfer to the start of the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall where, if the weather is good, we can see Miyun reservoir and the Wangjing Tower rising in the distance. This section towards Jinshanling is one of the best preserved areas of the Great Wall

and today we will trek through 67 restored watch towers each offering fantastic photo opportunities. Approx. 5-7 hours trekking

Day 6 Jinshanling to Mutianyu
After breakfast we trek east heading towards Simatai along a much restored section of the wall. Our trek today can been seen for miles as the Wall runs up and down the spine of the mountain. We will take shelter in one of the many watchtowers on the way – you can bet that Genghis Khan never had it so good when he broke through the Great Wall with his Mongol hordes! We end the day with a transfer to our accommodation in Mutianyu.
Approx. 3-5 hours trekking

Day 7 Mutianyu to Beijing
Today is our final morning on the Great Wall! After leaving the hotel and passing a small village we start climbing a steep, wooded track to the top of the Wall for our final breathtaking views over the far off mountains. The section we join is known to be one of most beautiful parts of the wild Wall in Beijing, loved by many photographers. After our final hike we come back down to the road to meet our bus and drive back to the hustle and bustle of Beijing. After a chance to freshen up, we’ll regroup and head out to our celebration meal held in downtown Beijing, a time to reflect on our achievement.
Approx. 3-4 hours trekking

Day 8 Beijing
Today we take time to explore the capital, jam packed with its 17 million residences, and steeped in history and culture. We’ll visit Tiananmen Square and the nearby Forbidden City before grabbing some lunch. This afternoon you can choose to explore the expansive Pearl Market and test your bargaining skills or opt for a foot massage or rickshaw tour of the Hutongs, the oldest area of Beijing. This evening there will be the chance to watch a traditional Kung-Fu performance.

Day 9 Beijing to London
Today we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

KEY FACTS

What’s Included?

Accommodation, return flights and in-country travel, all meals during trekking days, water, fully qualified UK Leader, UK Doctor, and local crew.(1)

Accommodation

2-3* hotels where possible throughout the trek.

Climate

It is usually fair and clear at this time of year with temperatures of around 21–27°C, however you should be prepared for rain. The temperature will drop overnight.

Meals

You will enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine through the trek – you certainly won’t go hungry! Most dietary requirements can be catered for, please advise upon booking.

Packing

We’ll provide you with a kit list tailored to this challenge when you book. Whilst trekking your bag will be transported on the coach so all you need to carry is your day pack with your essential items.

BOOK NOW HERE

FUNDING YOUR CHALLENGE…

You can choose to raise the full amount of sponsorship to ensure your event costs and minimum amount to your charity are all covered! This way, you don’t have to pay a thing towards your challenge and your charity receives a huge amount of much-needed funds! Both Skyline and your charity will be on hand with fundraising tips and advice to get you started.

You can pay your own event costs – this way every penny you raise will go to your chosen cause! We recognise that a huge part of the challenge can be the fundraising element so with this option you are able to pay for your own place and then raise the remaining amount for charity.

With this option you are able to pay a portion of your event costs (whatever you can manage) and then raise the rest. This just means that you can do a little less fundraising and can make a contribution to your challenge yourself.

Notes:
1. All participants are responsible for their own passports, visas, vaccinations and travel insurance that covers also some types of health insurance, which you must have. The tour cost does not include airline taxes which will be invoiced directly 6-8 weeks before travel.

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising is certainly achievable if you put your mind to it and needn’t be daunting – the important thing is to let everyone know about the great cause you are fundraising for and to enjoy yourself! With a bit of creativity, energy and determination you will easily be able to reach your fundraising target. Here are some ideas to start you off and we’re more than happy to help with any questions you may have!

Begin by setting up an online donation page and ask everyone you know to donate – the more people you ask, the more you will raise!

Host a dinner night/coffee morning and charge guests for a delicious home cooked meal or tea and cake.

Put on the ultimate fundraising spectacular and host a charity ball!

Host your own pub quiz or bingo night.

Dig out your unwanted treasures and organise a car boot or jumble sale.

Organise a games night and invite friends over, charging for an evening of fun and games!

Leave collection boxes in your local pub or shop or organise a bag pack at your local supermarket.

Your charity will be on hand to provide you with a fundraising pack and plenty of useful hints and tips to help you hit your target!

PREPARATION

All of our challenges are graded from Moderate (1) to Extreme (5) and the Great Wall of China Discovery is graded as Difficult (3).
This trek is perfect for the intrepid explorer! You’ll be on tough terrains (with plenty of stairs!) so ample training will be required and essential to prepare you for the challenge. You can find a full training guide on your Participant’s Page upon booking onto the trek.

We will provide you with a full kit list tailored to your trek once you have signed up so that you will be fully prepared before you go! It’s important to purchase good quality kit and equipment that suits you – never underestimate the importance of good walking boots! It’s vital to trek with comfortable shoes that you have worn in during your training months.

We have teamed up with Cotswold Outdoor to offer our Skyline participants a special 15% discount in recognition of your continued support so do utilise this when purchasing your equipment for the challenge! (Further info provided upon booking.)