Janice goes the extra mile for local charity

Local solicitor Janice Spence has just returned from the Great Wall of China, triumphant after having completed a gruelling five day challenge.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Nov 2013, 19:53 BST
Janice Spence, recently returned from her charity walk on The Great Wall of China, hands over a cheque for £5923.82 to Amanda Steele from the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. INUS4713-WALKJanice Spence, recently returned from her charity walk on The Great Wall of China, hands over a cheque for £5923.82 to Amanda Steele from the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. INUS4713-WALK
Janice Spence, recently returned from her charity walk on The Great Wall of China, hands over a cheque for £5923.82 to Amanda Steele from the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. INUS4713-WALK

Janice, along with 32 other volunteers, flew to Beijing on September 21 to begin her arduous trek in order to raise much needed funds for The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

“We have raised £136,000 between us which is a massive testament not only to the ability and commitment of the group but surely must speak volumes about the pivotal role local people play for local charities,” said Janice. “With the help of very many Lisburn friends and family I was able to raise £5,923.82. I was so delighted with all of the help and assistance I received from my friends and family.

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“We had a coffee morning in my friend Ann’s home which raised over £1,000 and a pub quiz in The Empire, Belfast. People were so generous and keen to help.”

Janice told us that she had trained for the trek but was unprepared for the actual day-to-day activities of the trek. “Everything was so different from how we had imagined it - no two days were the same. The scenery was breath taking and the Chinese people so welcoming and friendly.”

The trekkers finished their 10 days off in Beijing with a sightseeing tour and a bit of relaxation before heading back home. “It was an experience of a lifetime,” added Janice. “It was something that I will never forget.

“I have to mention of course my wonderful husband. He was able to look after our two young children and keep my clients at work happy whilst I was away - it made it easier to travel so far away. I would encourage anyone to undertake a challenge like this trek. Not only is it a wonderful opportunity to work for charity but also to meet like-minded people and experience a very different culture.”

Related topics:PeopleBelfastLisburn