A WOMAN who has lost five family members to cancer will be joining TV comedian Rhod Gilbert on a five-day fundraising trek along China’s Great Wall next year.

Emma Eatwell, 42, from Caldicot has signed up for the epic challenge in a bid to raise £4,000 for Cardiff’s Velindre Cancer centre.

She says: “In May 2020 myself, my friend Siân and several fellow trekkers will be joining the one and only Mr Rhod Gilbert to walk The Great Wall of China, to raise money for Velindre Cancer Centre.

“I am a huge fan of Rhod which assisted me in my initial decision to sign up, along with the powers of persuasion of my friend.

“I’ve climbed mountains before, but this is going to be so much more than that – it’s going to be one huge challenge but I’m up for it and more than up for it – failing is not an option.”

Emma, who has previously met Velindre patron Rhod at a five-a-side charity football tournament, is supporting Velindre having lost family members to cancer, including her aunt, two cousins, her mother’s brother-in-law and her father’s mother.

“Everyone has their own motivation for signing up to a trip such as this,” she said. “Cancer takes no prisoners and regardless of how well you look after your body, it is something that even the fittest can’t escape.

“I have lost five members of my family to cancer. I have also seen a close friend lose her mum, but thanks to the fabulous staff at Velindre, managed to remain positive throughout, until the very end.

“And I have seen a close friend lose her husband through cancer.

“Velindre fund much-needed services that are outside of those provided by the NHS, which are invaluable to those dealing with this terrible disease.”

Emma has already organised various events to collect her target amount, including bucket collections, market stalls, quiz nights, coffee mornings and danceathons.

Her latest endeavour was a 50s and 60s music night at Severn View Club in Caldicot.

Her charity challenges are sponsored by IAM Financial, who have an office in Monmouth, and she will be wearing T-shirts with their logo on, printed by Total Workwear, for her fundraisers.

During the challenge next May, Emma will have to walk up to eight hours a day.

To support Emma in her fundraising bid, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-eatwell-great-wall-of-china-trek