Event Details

Naina and Neena are delighted to announce their forthcoming event, Naina & Neena’s Journey:

  

Post Event Update

25 October 2016

We boarded our Emirates flight from Heathrow on the 3rd October 2015, finally arriving 13 hours later in to the bustling city of Beijing. After a group briefing, and a meet and greet with our 43 fellow trekkers it was straight to bed as we had a 6.30am wake-up call the next morning. We were soon on our way through Monday morning Beijing traffic for a 3 hour journey to the start of our half day trek, Huangyaguan. First major obstacle was a toilet stop Chinese style with no doors! After overcoming our inhibitions, we started our trek. We walked along a section which began at Taipingzhai and then returned along the Great Wall to Huangyaguan. We covered many steps of varying heights and widths. After a few shaky legs, it was time for lunch and three hour drive to our second night the Impression Inn. 

Day 2 was another early start with a 6.30am wake up call. After a basic breakfast we were soon on our way for a journey of an hour and a half to the start of our walk at Gubeikou. We were joined by a group of local ladies known as the ‘hello’ ladies. They soon became an asset helping us with the difficult parts of our walk. They had their motives. We went trekking along the beautiful and scenic Gubeikou wall. The views were picturesque and for the first time this is what we felt we had come to experience. We trekked along parts of the wall with shear drops on either side where a few people were struggling with vertigo. We climbed many steps to ascend and descend 20 watch towers. The weather was very warm at 27 degrees and by lunch time we were glad for a rest inside the coolness of one of the watchtowers. Parts of the wall were closed due to military control and so we had to descend the mountain on a meandering dirt track through woodland to rejoin the wall at tower 21. Some of the watch towers were very challenging with very narrow foot holes and steps to reach the next tower. At this point we were on the Jinshaling section of the wall which is very touristic and in complete contrast to the first part of our walk. After a long 9 hour trek, we were welcomed into an extremely basic hostel with very poor quality food and facilities. Fortunately we had bought our own supplies of homemade treats in case with lots of cups of tea. All in all it was a challenging day and we felt that our training had certainly paid off. 

We had the luxury of an extra hour in bed on Day 3, with an alarm call of 7:30am. Unfortunately it was not in a hostel that you would have spent an hour longer than needed! Breakfast was spam, white bread and eggs! The walk started with those less able being given the option of traveling on a cable car, whilst the rest of us started the walk in high spirits. The first lot of steps and inclines soon sorted the “men from the boys”. The incline and steps were nothing like we had experienced yesterday, with literally vertical inclines which were smooth slabs of concrete with no footholds. It was sheer will power and determination that got us to the top, only to look towards the next watchtower and saw exactly the same! The “hello ladies” were with us again and sweet as they were they wouldn’t let us go without buying their trinkets and Great Wall gifts. We stopped for lunch at the point where the wall has started to crumble. A few of the group carried onto the next two watch towers but the terrain was quite challenging. After lunch it was an hour walk off the wall towards our waiting coach, which was going to take us to our accommodation for night 4.

Event Details 

Our Challenging Journey...

Dear friends,

We are keen walkers who walk regularly for physical and social benefits. We have completed several half Marathon and full marathon walks raising money for various charities over recent years.

Trekking the Great Wall has been a passion each one of us has been very keen to participate in simply because being a natural wonder of the world the scenery will be breath-taking and the terrain challenging encouraging us to be further disciplined in our efforts to train harder and in exceeding our natural limitations.

Our walk is planned for October 2015 and the trek will involve walking a distance of several miles for up to 8 hours a day for a week.

Naina’s pledge.

As well as being a personal challenge, we would like to raise awareness of the charity One Kind Act. Through sponsorship and donation, I am personally hoping to make a collection to put towards the plight of street children in India. Children are an emotive subject and very close to my heart and I believe that every child deserves to be loved and raised in a happy and secure environment. In my attempts to make a difference I was introduced to Matthew (through my yoga teacher) who himself was an orphan with an extremely tumultuous childhood. His life story was humbling and as a result of his own hardship he wanted that no other children should have to suffer like he did. Through sheer hard work, the kindness of others and humble volunteers he has established several orphanages in Goa. The organisation that raises the profile of this cause is www.childrescue.net It is my intention to visit as a volunteer in the future and to further this cause in whichever way I can.

Neena’s Pledge.

The Great Wall of China trek will be challenging both physically as well as mentally. Having come from a family that believes in helping others, I would like to give something back myself. If the money that is raised through pledges and donations makes a difference to even one person in this world, I will feel that my personal challenge is complete.  I am supporting two charities; OKA and Mycenae Gravis, of which both causes are very close to my heart. 

Mycenae Gravis can affect any one of us at any time, it is an autoimmune condition that affects the nerves and muscles. Autoimmune conditions are caused by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue. 

I hope that you will be able to support both of us by giving a donation to enable us to help others less fortunate than ourselves. All these charities rely totally on the generous donations of people like yourselves. 


About One Kind Act

One Kind Act Changes Communities and lives of others globally who suffer as a result of Poverty of Health, Nutrition and Education and may have Fallen Through The Net of the larger charities. Learn More here

 

Comments

Shamit Malhotra
Sep 27, 2015

Two special people who have done so much to raise awareness and raise lots of monies for good causes. We are lucky to have you both as part of the OKA team. Wishing you all the best on your trip and look forward to your safe return. Love Shamit & Rena

Anonymous
Jun 14, 2015

Neena your butter chicken was soooo delicious the best I have ever tasted. Good luck in fundraising and will definitely order again. Dinah x

Judith Edwards
Jun 08, 2015

Dear Neena the butter chicken was the best we have ever tasted. This has always been a favourite of David's. Having first had this when he came to tea as a friend of Anish and you kindly bought him some when he had been ill. It helped his speedy recovery. I have filled my freezer with nine portions so look forward to more butter chicken Friday's . Good luck with your challenge Love Judi Edwards xxxx

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Recent Pledges

  • Naina Chohdha
    £50.00
    Pledge
    15-Nov-2015 17:27

    " Dear Neena & Naina Keep up the good work, Best wishes Guriya "
  • Mehul Shah
    £25.00
    Pledge
    22-Oct-2015 12:59

    " Many congratulations, we are so happy for you! With love from Miti, Mehul, Sheena and Sonia xxxx "
  • Deepa Sohal
    £20.00
    Pledge
    20-Oct-2015 21:59

    " Well done x "
  • Bero Chima
    £100.00
    Pledge
    20-Oct-2015 18:36

    " Well done Naina great achievement!!!! "
  • Manju Taneja
    £51.00
    Pledge
    13-Oct-2015 17:11

    " Well done girls ! So proud. Love Vinnie x "
  • Vanita Singh
    £50.00
    Pledge
    13-Oct-2015 15:13

    " Well done girls we are proud of you "
  • Rajesh Passi
    £501.00
    Pledge
    07-Oct-2015 08:15

    " Good Luck Naina and Neena hope you have a great time whilst raising money for homeless children from all at Reg, Goldie and family "
  • Paula Ellis
    £25.00
    Pledge
    02-Oct-2015 18:11

    " good luck Neena! Have an awesome time. Lots of love Mark and Paula xxxx "
  • Monica Daas
    £25.00
    Pledge
    01-Oct-2015 23:31

    " Neena what a wonderful thing to do raising money for a fantastic charity .Have a great time. Lots of love Monica Daas "
  • Camilla Maini
    £51.00
    Pledge
    01-Oct-2015 21:20

    " All the best mamiji, we are very proud and impressed! Love from Camilla, Sameer, Maya, Luka & Tomas. "
  • Pav Midha
    £50.00
    Pledge
    01-Oct-2015 14:37

    " Best wishes to you all x "
  • Rakhi Mehta gupta
    £10.00
    Pledge
    01-Oct-2015 14:16

    " Wishing you all the very best !!! Love xxx "
  • Catherine Farrant
    £10.00
    Pledge
    01-Oct-2015 14:09

    " well done, have a great time. "
  • Ann
    £100.00
    Pledge
    30-Sep-2015 21:18

    " Good luck Neena. "
  • Chadha's
    £35.00
    Pledge
    30-Sep-2015 20:35

    " Very proud of you guys... All the best - The Chadha's xx "
  • Lisa Parry
    £20.00
    Pledge
    30-Sep-2015 12:55

    " Have a fabulous time, what an experience!! You will make such a difference to people's lives. "
  • Ruby
    £20.00
    Pledge
    30-Sep-2015 11:57

    " All the best have fun .... great cause x "
  • Steve Jackson
    £50.00
    Pledge
    29-Sep-2015 15:17

    " Good luck :) "
  • Yasmina
    £75.00
    Pledge
    28-Sep-2015 21:11

    " Best of luck x "
  • Chitra Prasher
    £51.00
    Pledge
    28-Sep-2015 18:36

    " Good luck Naina & Neena - an amazing challenge for such worthy causes - wishing you a memorable experience x "
  • Renu Bassi
    £30.00
    Pledge
    28-Sep-2015 08:14

    " Good luck Neena ! Best wishes, Renu "
  • Manju Taneja
    £200.00
    Pledge
    27-Sep-2015 15:05

    " Good luck Naina!! Great cause. Lots of love Manju xx "
  • Anish Koshal
    £150.00
    Pledge
    19-Sep-2015 11:17

    " Very proud of what you're doing mum and Naina massi! I just feel sorry for the others having to hear you guys talk for 8 hours a day!! Lots of love, Anish x "
  • Marina
    £25.00
    Pledge
    18-Sep-2015 12:09

    " Good luck Naina! Enjoy this amazing experience. Love Marina x "
  • Annu Shah
    £100.00
    Pledge
    18-Sep-2015 11:28

    " Naina, Neena, Neera....we're so proud of you all. wishing you every success for the is wonderful cause. Annu & Kaushik "
  • Monica Kumar
    £25.00
    Pledge
    16-Sep-2015 20:40

    " Good luck Neena and Naina x "
  • Shelley Soni
    £20.00
    Pledge
    14-Sep-2015 17:46

    " Good luck, it's an amazing challenge you are undertaking and for a really worthy cause xx "
  • Neera Soni
    £150.00
    Pledge
    13-Sep-2015 21:16

    " Such a wonderful thing you are doing Neena and Naina. Best of luck Anil and Neera "
  • Mona Bhogal
    £100.00
    Pledge
    09-Sep-2015 10:07

    " Wishing you both the best of luck with this challenge for such a worthwhile cause love Mona, Raju, Kabir & Amir xxx "
  • Smirti Kotecha
    £101.00
    Pledge
    08-Sep-2015 22:51

    " Good luck Naina! "Until you reach the Great Wall, you're no hero"-Chairman Mao...just remember your yogic breath now and again to keep you going! Sunil & Smirti x "
  • Rusika Chohdha
    £25.00
    Pledge
    04-Sep-2015 21:07

    " Good luck Mum and Neena Massi! I'm sure all your early mornings of walking will be worth it xx "
  • Navinder Loomba
    £50.00
    Pledge
    04-Sep-2015 14:29

    " To my girlfriend and sister, all the best to you you both. "
  • Despo Coney
    £50.00
    Pledge
    01-Sep-2015 10:35

    " You're a brave girl Naina! Good luck and have some fun too! "
  • Richa Varma
    £101.00
    Pledge
    24-Aug-2015 13:17

    " All the best intrepid ladies....Go forth and conquer China! Richa & Raju "
  • Amit Chohdha
    £50.00
    Pledge
    11-Aug-2015 15:16

    " good luck sista's I know you will smash it love jyot's x "
  • Jagdish Kapur
    £100.00
    Pledge
    13-Jul-2015 16:16

    " Dear Neena Best of luck from Nilam and me. We are sure you will enjoy the experience. "
  • Akshay Loomba
    £20.00
    Pledge
    02-Jul-2015 18:27

    " I hope to try some of this butter chicken and amazing desserts that everyone seems to be raving about... Good luck! "
  • Arti Soni-sadar
    £51.00
    Pledge
    01-Jun-2015 15:49

    " Good luck to both of you...such a wonderful cause...I'm sure you will smash it xx "
  • Rohan Koshal
    £101.00
    Pledge
    20-May-2015 16:11

    " Proud of you mum and massi! xx "
  • Sue Kerly
    £20.00
    Pledge
    19-May-2015 21:29

    " Good luck Neena, so proud to know you are doing this wonderful thing "
  • Robert.moss@mosselectrical.co.uk
    £200.00
    Pledge
    19-May-2015 08:13

    " Go for it girl. Don't forget to wear my hat! "
  • Amit Chohdha
    £40.00
    Pledge
    12-May-2015 11:11

    " Good Luck Naina "
  • Amit Chohdha
    £200.00
    Pledge
    12-May-2015 11:10
  • Dinah Ford
    £20.00
    Pledge
    11-May-2015 17:12

    " Good luck on your walking challenge and well done for supporting such worthwhile causes. xxx "
  • Poonam Ahluwalia
    £15.00
    Pledge
    10-May-2015 16:07

    " Good luck ladies. Neena an amazing achievement for a fab charity. Well done. "
  • Julie Habgood
    £20.00
    Pledge
    10-May-2015 15:26

    " Good luck Neena, you will have an amazing experience and a challenge you will always remember. Love Julie and Steve xxx "
  • Jane Kirwan
    £25.00
    Pledge
    09-May-2015 13:52

    " Good luck nina and friends. Lots of love jane xx "
  • Raina Chohdha kalhan
    £100.00
    Pledge
    24-Apr-2015 11:07

    " Two beautiful and inspirational souls who will make the Great Wall of China Rock! You will make such a difference in this Needy world. We wish all the strength, courage, inspiration, drive and Love you will need for your cause! Love u both!! "
  • Kamla Mehta
    £50.00
    Pledge
    21-Apr-2015 09:41

    " Go Neena! "
  • Sungita Vaswani mirchandani
    £25.00
    Pledge
    19-Apr-2015 21:02

    " well done girls.Really proud of youx "
  • Ritu Sethi
    £51.00
    Pledge
    16-Apr-2015 13:01

    " What starts as a thought , becomes a ripple and changes lives- well done girls ! "
  • Karupa
    £50.00
    Pledge
    13-Apr-2015 21:05

    " You are two wonderful, beautiful ladies who's hearts shine and are always giving. I love your passion and thought and wish you much luck, with lots of love always x "
  • Neil Cartwright
    £50.00
    Pledge
    13-Apr-2015 19:34

    " Good luck Hope you enjoy the experience "
  • Angela Kapur ramachandran
    £20.00
    Pledge
    12-Apr-2015 17:45

    " Good luck on your training and trek xx Such a worthwhile cause "
  • Sangita Kapoor
    £20.00
    Pledge
    12-Apr-2015 15:44

    " Wishing all the best Neena. "
  • Seema Khindria
    £100.00
    Pledge
    12-Apr-2015 09:02

    " Great cause ... Best of luck girls ... Unfortunate I can't join you ... Will be thinking of you every step of the way ... Seema "
  • Mohan
    £100.00
    Pledge
    11-Apr-2015 20:57

    " All the Best Neena on your venture to China! With a lot of love from Surendra Malhotra "
  • Ravi Kapoor
    £51.00
    Pledge
    10-Apr-2015 10:22

    " So proud of your effort in raising awareness and commitment for a worthy cause. Well done. "
  • Neena Chadda
    £20.00
    Pledge
    10-Apr-2015 10:21

    " Good luck to u both on your journey xx "
  • Elizabeth Keane sykes
    £50.00
    Pledge
    10-Apr-2015 10:13

    " Neena, what an incredible challenge and I'm privileged to be able to make a donation to you and your friend. Best of luck to you both. Love Elizabeth Sykes xxxxx "
  • Rajeev Kapur
    £50.00
    Pledge
    10-Apr-2015 08:47

    " Well Done Neena Mamiji! Hope you have an amazing experience! Lots of Love from Rajeev, Vanisha & Arnika x "
  • Sunita Passi
    £501.00
    Pledge
    06-Apr-2015 18:44

    " Naina I like what you are doing and wish you and the charity lots of good luck. Mum x "
  • Ishan Malhotra
    £20.00
    Pledge
    04-Apr-2015 17:36

    " Good luck Aunty Naina, ive had some of your cakes and they are amazing! "
  • Cheryl Power
    £50.00
    Pledge
    04-Apr-2015 00:41

    " We were there a couple of weeks ago and so know what a task you have set yourselves (we only walked about 1/4 mile!!). This is a great cause and I wish you every success in this adventure - it will be amazing!! "
  • Sandy Passi
    £100.00
    Pledge
    25-Mar-2015 17:51
  • Shamit Malhotra
    £50.00
    Pledge
    19-Mar-2015 13:50

    " Good luck to both of you an amazing challenge "
  • Rajiv Randev
    £20.00
    Pledge
    14-Mar-2015 11:39

    " Well done ! Having fun & doing good... :-) "
  • Rishi Passi
    £50.00
    Pledge
    10-Mar-2015 15:16

    " best of luck, keep up the good work! "
  • Tia Ward
    £50.00
    Pledge
    25-Feb-2015 13:05

    " Wow; how wonderful; the scenery and sense of purpose will spur you both on to complete the challenge. Having walked along (very) one short length of it I wish I could join you but I "this boss" I would have to get around first !! "
  • Rita Soni
    £20.00
    Pledge
    23-Feb-2015 23:36

    " Well done ladies ! "
  • Alisha Malhotra
    £15.00
    Pledge
    23-Feb-2015 19:08

    " I really admire what you are both doing, it will be a real challenge but I have no doubt that you will succeed. I hope one day that I will be able to follow your footsteps. Best of luck to you both. Alisha xx "