Great Wall trek after broken foot

Susan Gurden suffered a broken nose and leg after her fall

A set-back in training meant that a charity fundraiser had to trek the Great Wall of China recovering from a broken foot and nose.

Susan Gurden from Cwmbran, fell down the stairs while training for the 4,163 mile trek from east to west China.

But despite the six-week set-back while she was in plaster, the 53-year-old resumed her training and was fit enough to carry out the challenge.

Ms Gurden is now planning a charity walk through the Rift Valley in Africa.

She took on the Great Wall trek as a way of raising money for the charity ActionAid - an international development agency which aims to fight poverty worldwide.

But her training was disrupted after she took a tumble down some stairs and broke her nose and foot.

The Great Wall of China is a popular attraction

However, the physiotherapist resumed her training weeks later by taking up swimming and going to the gym, and was soon fit enough for the trek along the famous landmark.

"It was a chance to see part of the world you wouldn't see on holiday," explained Ms Gurdon on her reasons for continuing with the challenge following her fall.

"I saw it as an opportunity to do something for people less fortunate than myself."

She faced another set-back on the first day of the trek, when she fell on her knees and feared she wouldn't be able to complete the trek.

But with the support of guides, she was able to finish her challenge and raise £2,500 for the charity.

"I expected it to be great and it was greater than great," said Ms Gurden.

"There were so many highlights - the first view of the wall, meeting the Chinese people.

"The guides were fantastic - friendly and informative, where I found out things I wouldn't have found out if I was on holiday.

"Meeting other people on the trek was great, oh, and finishing, that was good too," she added.