TWO friends are planning the trip of a lifetime when they step out for charity along the Great Wall of China.

Kirstie Wilson and Nicky Harland plan to cover a 150-mile stretch that will take six days of walking up and down steep steps and along uneven paths.

The pair are both senior support officers at North Yorkshire Police’s headquarters in Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and are used to being active – Nicky is a keen runner and Kirstie is a competitive horse rider.

Their training is already well under way, but from the middle of next month they will have to start walking 40 miles a week, with hill climbs a necessary part of the training regime to prepare for the steep steps and the undulating rock surface.

Walking with them in China will be a doctor and a trek leader. They will stay in camps and guest houses.

“As long as there is food and a place to sleep we will be in heaven,” said Ms Wilson.

The inspiration behind the walk comes from the film The Bucket List, where two terminally-ill men try to complete a list of things to do before they die.

The women realised that seeing the Great Wall was on both of their lists, and decided to walk for two charities.

Ms Harland is walking for Arthritis Research Campaign and Ms Wilson for Jubilee Sailing Trust. They have a target of £5,000, which they will split between the charities.

And they plan to end their trek with a flourish – wearing red stilettos, inspired by their red hair and love of shoes.

To sponsor either of the women, contact Kirstie Wilson on 07709-314341.