A MOTHER is planning a walk along part of the Great Wall of China to help raise money for research into the disease suffered by her father and young son.

Jacqueline Trainor, 38, wanted to do something positive to help deal with the heartbreak of watching her father, Terry, and four-year-old son, Kristopher, cope with muscular dystrophy.

She said: "I went to a muscular dystrophy day in Cheshire and this was mentioned and I knew it was something I wanted to do to help.''

Plans are already under way for a series of fundraising events to help get the money together for the trip.

Miss Trainor, who lives with Kristopher, his eight-year-old sister, Kelsie, and partner Stephen White, 35, in Sunniside, near Tow Law, Weardale, County Durham, said: "I need to get a minimum of £2,500 to go there.

"I think about £1,000 covers expenses while the rest goes to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. I think there are about 30 other people from all over the country taking part."

The progressive muscle wasting disease does not stop Kristopher, who attends Stanley Crook Primary School, enjoying life like any other four-year-old.

Miss Trainor said: "It mainly affects his walking at the moment. When we take the dog out for a walk he cannot walk as far."

The small community of Sunniside has already rallied around and pledged support.

The two local pubs, The Moss Inn and The Comedian, are trying to get together two teams of ten to take part in an Its a Knockout.

Miss Trainor is about take to the road and start running as part of her training programme.

She is writing to local businesses asking for sponsorship and could wear T-shirts with logos at the It's a Knockout and she is also planning to do the Great North Run to top up funds.

She said: "We would be grateful to anyone for whatever help they can give.''

Anyone who would like to sponsor Miss Trainor can contact her on (01388) 730784.