Brunel University students hope to raise thousands of pounds for a children's charity by trekking the Great Wall of China.

So far, 46 students have signed up for three different challenges: The Great Wall trek, Climb Kilimanjaro and Rebuild Nepal to raise money for Childreach International.

Second year student Laura Kelly, at the Uxbridge campus university, will take on the Great Wall Trek alongside boyfriend, Josh Conyard, who also attends Brunel.

She said: “We have a fundraising target of £2895 each with the majority going straight to the charity and a small proportion going towards my flights to China. If we're successful we will be going to China on the 16th August and trekking the wall for 8 days.

“We'll be staying with families in China and some of the money will go to them as they'll be providing us with housing and food. The rest goes straight to the charity and the trek in China is the reward for it.”

The Sports Science student, who lives in Notting Hill, is looking forward to “the challenge” of fundraising.

She said: “When when I found out about the China trek I thought it was an amazing place to go and the charity helps a lot of children round the world so you know your money is going to a really good cause.

“I've never done something quite so big and it's fun to get involved in fundraising and plan loads of things.”

Still a chance to sign up

18 students are currently signed up to fundraise for the Great Wall of China challenge, and hope to raise over £52,000.

Ms Kelly added: “To me Childreach International is a powerhouse for the children. They're so dedicated to providing education and providing safety.”

Georgia Green, fundraising assistant at Childreach International, explained where the money will go.

She said: “It will be used on various projects we run in countries like Tanzania, Nepal, Brazil, India and the UK.

“One project Childreach International are currently working on is rebuilding classrooms in Nepal after they were destroyed in the earthquake earlier this year and so far we have opened 10 classrooms.”

There are still places on the team for all the challenges. To sign up, visit our website and choose a challenge.

To reach their targets, Laura and Josh have set up their own crowdfunding pages.