Martin Strell

 

• A thread of determination and perseverance as some push beyond physical limits and others face,
  head-on, severe fears (like fear of heights and of falling)
• Grief, anger, resolution, which touches walkers who have lost loved ones to cancer
  Concern and guilt about children and partners at home, especially when communication is so difficult
• The celebration of being here, the humour, and warmth of getting to know people at their most human
• The uncertainty of what will unfold next, in a place where things seem to run in a different time context
• The pressure of so much to be done as we’ve shifted our focus from getting here, to drawing in sponsorship
• Incredible busy-ness – phones and Blackberries chiming as we walk, laptops booting up on the bus
  or in any spare moment
•  All somehow held together by the spirit of the team and the direction, continually reaffirmed in Olivia’s simple,
  inspiring words and song.

 

 

Graham Little

Stage 1 started with a “Let’s Get Physical” style attack on some of the steepest sections of the Great Wall and ended with an emotional salute at Old Dragons Head in which we all paid respect to lost loved ones.

I was surprised at how quickly such a diverse group of amazing individuals bonded. Equally I was surprised at how quickly my quadriceps started screaming on day 1 despite my serious stair training preparation.

Too many magic moments but probably the final climb on Day 2 to the highest peak of our journey stands out when the side protective walls disappeared and my heart raced in terror! I turned to Samantha Riley to admit my fear and was relieved that even an Olympic champion can also be scared of heights.

Bronwyn Cooper

Day one was every bit as challenging as predicted. A few struggled in the first few days, but the group effort got them through. I had many feet to treat, both on and off the wall, so the first two days were busy ones for me. Thankfully only one significant injury and early management had that resolved in three days. I love the way the group has bonded so well. My special moment was being included in the remembrance ceremony for Curves members lost to cancer.

Emma Nicholas

The first stage has been the start of an incredible journey. The Great Wall has challenged every single one of us and still we’re all itching for more. We all want to prove to ourselves and to our sponsors that this journey, like the journey of cancer, is one that we can get through due to the love and support of our friends. We are stronger because of the people around us. We are stronger because of our friends and family. Bring on the next five stages!

 

 

Reality sinks in and novelty wears off

The Great Wall of China is a truly magnificent structure, that’s why it boosts the Chinese national economy by attracting millions of foreign tourist dollars every year. When Olivia Newton-John and her team returned to the wall early this morning the novelty of visiting the Great Wall of China had well and truly worn off.

At breakfast there was much chatter about a dinner dish served up the night before which the unsuspecting diners had eaten rather warily but many were surprised to find out only this morning that the food was, in fact, donkey coated in garlic. Some like US television star, Leeza Gibbons, "loved it" while others were horrified to discover what they had consumed.

Several walkers, including Olivia, paid a visit to the physiotherapist hoping for relief from aches and pains before setting off today.

When they reached the base of today’s target, the group went through some warm up exercises in preparation for the next climb.

Sore and muscle weary from their 16 kilometre climb yesterday, the subdued group looked up at a 45 degree gradient with a mixture of apprehension and resignation.

It was even tougher going than yesterday but they did soldier on.

Chantelle Delaney was the first casualty.  She hobbled home yesterday after turning an ankle twice, but after spraining it this morning, it all got too much and she had to be assisted off the wall.

"I was disappointed that I couldn’t get to the top with the rest of the team, but I’m sure I’ll bounce back once the ice on my sprain has healed the injury", said Chantelle.

Several others used Chantelle’s misfortune as a cue to go back down the wall early as well.

The real-life gay cowboy, Adam Sutton, bravely struggled on with a hamstring strain.

The peaks of Mt Simatai, which the walkers fought their way to today, are the highest point on the entire journey. Looking up, it was difficult not to get overwhelmed.

Upon reaching the summit the mood of the group warmed noticeably. There is a lot of bonding going on within this team, and a real feeling of camaraderie.

The second part of this route was much gentler, a bush walking, stroll through the Chinese countryside past the humblest of homes and some charming rural villages. The locals were fascinated if a bit bemused by the entourage wandering through remote countryside past their homes.

As the team made their way back towards a low point they came across a five hundred metre flying fox spanning a magnificent water catchment, far below. The bonding within the team convinced many they simply couldn’t say no. TV presenter, Johanna Griggs was reluctant to say the least, but Olivia convinced Griggs that taking on her fear of heights was related to the cancer journey many go through with the mental aspects of the disease.

Griggs then fought past abject terror to hang on with real tears streaming down her face as she went down the spectacular valley. "There is just no way I would have gone down if Olivia hadn’t said what she said and I was still terrified", said Griggs. Olivia then braved the ride herself.

Again today the everyday cancer survivors provided much in the way of inspiration.

Melbourne fireman, Scott Morrison, a cancer survivor who has twice beaten cancer, spent most of his day again leading the group with sheer grit, and an unswerving commitment to completing this journey to purely help others.

Meanwhile, Melbourne woman, Rhonda Martinez, who has beaten breast cancer and endured a knee reconstruction, struggled but just kept at it. She said, "I had to reach the top! Today I was better than yesterday, it was shorter but still very steep. I was more determined today. Yesterday was so bad for me but today I was determined to make it. But those first set of stairs when we looked up, wow".

"It was so great to get to the top and it was incredible standing with the others and with Olivia, just incredible".

To see more images from Day Two - click here

Olivia takes a breath along the spectacular great wall

Great Walk to Beijing gets underway

A colourful greeting party of locals welcomed Olivia’s team to the base of Great Wall and a chorus of singing, dancing and drumming set the walkers on their way.

The local greeters knew something the party of 45 did not. If the very generous locals could have got passed the language barrier they would have told this eclectic group of cancer survivors, sporting stars and celebrities that what they were about to do was going to be very tough.

In fact within minutes of climbing on to this extraordinary structure the visitors were confronted by some very, very steep stairs that just didn’t seem to end. It took little time for the walkers to find out this was going to be tough, very tough.

Cancer survivor, Rhonda Martinez, "It was unbelievable - I’ve never experienced anything like it in my entire life. It was just the wall itself, the height, the structure, the scenery, everything, mind-blowing".

Parts of this apparently never ending wall have very steep inclines, with uneven stairs, in other parts the stairs have worn away and it’s a real struggle not to fall forward or to slide away on the loose debris.

When you look up you can see the spine of the wall, dotted with fortresses stretching for miles.

Team leader, Olivia Newton-John, found the going heavy at times but the group rallied around each other and the cause. Aussie singer, Chantelle Delaney turned both ankles but kept at it and managed to complete the gruelling 16 kilometres, standing on both feet.

Organisers hope to raise around five million dollars to build a new integrated cancer centre at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne by getting supporters and fans to sponsor the walkers steps’ at the website www.greatwalktobeijing.com.

Many of Olivia’s group have been running their own fundraising campaigns to support their journeys. Real-life gay cowboy, Adam Sutton spent part of today wondering how he got into this, "the terrain is incredible, my knee is twinging already, this will affect people more and more as the walk goes on".

And go on it will for another 200 kilometres plus and tomorrow there is bound to be many aching limbs. Sutton strained his knee today but he’s in the team so he won’t be letting the others down. "there is a real bond, this is really hard for people but there is a real sense of unity, everyone is helping each other get through this walk.

Hollywood TV star Leeza Gibbons, is another committed member of the team, "50 million people have gone to the wall but when it’s your turn, it’s almost like worshipping and praying and being tired and being exhilarated all at the same time"

If anybody says they were not challenged they are a liar … it was really exhausting and very challenging in certain spots. But whenever you would think oh my gosh this is getting to be a lot, you’d look around behind you and there would be a cancer survivor".

"Everybody else" kept cancer survivor Rhonda Martinez going, "it was the company... if they hadn’t have been there, the same people struggling alongside me, I would have stopped".

"Yes there’s another hill in front, another mountain, but there’s no turning back", said Adam Sutton.

To see more images from Day One - click here

Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling enjoy the blessing of the team by Shaolin Monks

The farewell brunch was a marvellous global meeting - an uplifting cultural exchange and the perfect send off for our intrepid team. The mood of this gracious farewell brunch was perhaps best summed up by Mr Gin from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce who's eloquence moved most of those present. "We are here together, all friends - but cancer is not our friend, cancer is our common enemy", he said. "So walk well, because you walk for many people".

The hosts organised a spectacular blessing by a team of Shaolin Monks. With that blessing, and the prayers of people across the planet, the entourage travels inland, across the unique Chinese landscape.

As night falls we arrive at historic Jinshanling. We can actually see the forts dotted along the Great Wall against the stunning sunset. It looks daunting and the real journey begins in a matter of hours.

Austin Health, psychologist, Phillipa Frances, a member of the medical support team said, "the stakes are high for people who are used to excelling. Failure to meet personal goals can lead to enormous distress, particularly when the eyes of the world are on us".

Sam Riley, "the first stage is so steep but I'm excited, and my fitness level will get me through. So many I know are touched by cancer and it's a very worthy cause".

Johanna Griggs, "I worried about the steep gradients, I think this will be more physically gruelling than I'd imagined. I was once very fit but it's been 15 years since I've been out of the pool, the only water I go in now is the bathtub!"

Cancer Survivor Rhonda Martinez wonders, "where will the toilets be? I'm worried about the lack of privacy with the toilets, but I'm more and more excited by the day and I've met so many amazing people already".

Robyn Walker from MBT Shoes, "at the end of the day we are all here in this together with the same focus and we'll all help each other out".

Scott Morrison, "I'm starting to worry about how many people I might have to carry because so many people are asking if I can help with the fireman's lift".

Michaela Green, "I'm worried about my fitness level! Joan Rivers, will probably even overtake me later and I'd like to finish the walk in 21 days and not still be walking in 30 days time".

Graeme Little, "I'm not worried - I'm in good company with a physiotherapist and a psychologist ... I'll be alright.  I hope people in my networks are touched by this challenge and support Olivia and the amazing group of people I have already met".

Olivia, "I'm sure we all have people in our hearts that we are walking for"

There are, however real dangers and the event organisers have tried to plan with that in mind.

Professor Andrew Scott, "we've got to be prepared for a serious fall, or if someone breaks their leg ... there are people here of all ages and different backgrounds and cancer survivors, although the survivors seem fitter than some of the other walkers. Arrangements are in place if we do need to evacuate from the wall".

Chantelle Delaney "I'm not worried, I'm more excited.  But it will be challenging - physically and emotionally, so I say bring on the wall … I'm fortunate that I am healthy so I'm doing this to help others who are less fortunate, and I hope others would help me if I got sick because you just never know. Everyone should really get behind this cause".

Ajay Rochester, "well we're not doing this for us, we are doing this for people affected by cancer"

Adam Sutton, "we'll be right.  We'll help each other out, it's mind over matter that will get me through"

Leeza Gibbons, "I'm a bit worried about those 45 degree inclines but I do feel honoured to be here, and be a part of this journey with everyone here trying to make a difference".

Experienced 'wall walker' and cancer survivor, Emma Nicholas, "oh the weather might affect us - it might be really cold or really hot and it puts the body under a lot of pressure, especially being cold the body uses up a lot of energy. You just don't know what the weather will do, and this time last year we were trekking on the wall with snow falling around us".

To see more images from the Farewell Brunch - click here

Olivia launches the walk with AmericanTours International's CEO Noel Irwin Hentschel

With just 2 days to go, the walkers arrive in Beijing

As our walkers arrive from their homes scattered across the globe they are confronted by a very different culture. China's capital has all the bright lights and busy bustle of most modern cities but our team are all too aware that Beijing is a long way from home.

Chantelle Delaney, "Once we landed in Beijing everyone was pumped to be here, so far we've found Beijing to be amazing. What an experience! I am loving this journey and the people on it and I look forward to the rest of the incredible experience ahead. Bring on the wall!"

Rachel Gordon, "My first day in China has been an exhilarating whirlwind, I'm looking forward to getting to see more of this intriguing city".

The medical team review their emergency plans, the security men pour back over their detailed contingencies and the organisers go through a checklist, counting heads and wondering what it is they haven't thought of.

Olympian Samantha Riley, "From the moment I arrived I was impressed, Beijing has a shine to it with the Olympics approaching so it was the perfect place to be as we countdown to the first steps of the walk".

Rose Fydler, "Having looked forward to the walk for months, it was incredible to finally land in Beijing and get ready to begin. The city has a buzz about it and so does our group. We are keen to begin."

Our spiritual warriors are allowed a day of rest to contemplate what lies ahead. Some spend their time shopping, others relax and think about tackling one of the world's great wonders.

Ajay Rochester, "I thought I'd prepare my million steps by taking them around and around and around the market place. Oh I stopped by the Forbidden City and Tianamen Square, on the way to the market. Then I realised I am in a place steeped in history".

Meantime our everyday cancer thrivers meet in real life people they have only read about or met through a television screen and think about how truly lucky they are.

Fireman, Scott Morrison, "as this is my first experience out of Australia, I am finding China totally new and exotic. The people, the culture, the history, it's all fascinating and I'm prepared for this huge challenge that begins on Monday".

Rhonda Martinez, "waking this morning to realize it's not a dream was a truly amazing feeling. Having now met others I am to share the next 22 days with, I realize just how special this walk will be both spiritually, physically and personally. I really am looking forward to this spiritual journey".

As the clock counts down anticipation is the order of the day … but have our group been lulled into a false sense of security? … there's just a hint in the air that the keen anticipation is laced with a growing sense of anxiety as the Great Wall awaits our team and its ambition.

Robyn Walker, "there is a feeling of excitement, trepidation and wonderment, of being part of an incredible event that will raise funds to make a difference in many people's lives, a journey of wellness".