A Childline counsellor from Aberdeen is gearing up to walk 50km along the Great Wall of China next month to raise funds for Childline.
Gemma Cutler, 22, has volunteered with Childline for over two years. She will join a group of 18 fellow fundraisers on the epic challenge.
Dubbing themselves the ‘Tartan Trailblazers’ the group will set off in late September and will walk 10km on five consecutive days along the iconic site, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They will navigate steep terrain and thousands of uneven steps in aid of the NSPCC-run service.
Gemma is a recent graduate from Aberdeen University, with degrees in Psychology with Counselling Skills, and Autism & Learning. She is currently working as an education support worker at Linn Moor Residential School.
She said: “I’ve spoken to many young people through Childline and I know how important it is for them to have a safe space to talk about their feelings and be listened to without judgement.
“Childline believes that everyone matters. That’s why I’m taking on this challenge—to help ensure the service can continue to be there for children who need support, whenever they need it.”
Gemma became involved with Childline after hearing her mother talk about her experience as a Childline volunteer. She saw advertisements online looking for volunteers and decided to sign up and says the experience has been both rewarding and eye-opening.
She added: “It’s a privilege to be part of something that makes such a difference. Every donation helps Childline continue to offer that lifeline to children who may have nowhere else to turn.
“I have already raised more than £3,000 on JustGiving and I would just like to thank everyone who has donated. It’s amazing that so many people have dug deep for such an amazing cause, and it will encourage me to keep going – even during the toughest moments.”
The trek, organised through travel firm Charity Challenge, will follow the winding path along the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway, including the famous ‘heavenly staircase’—a steep climb with dramatic views and exposed conditions.
Participants will face early starts, basic overnight accommodation, and unpredictable weather, with rain, wind and sun all possible during the five-day journey.
Funds raised will go towards supporting NSPCC services, including Childline’s free counselling for children, the adult Helpline for reporting concerns about a child and to get parenting advice and support, and educational programmes such as Talk PANTS and Speak Out Stay Safe, which aim to prevent abuse and neglect.
To donate, please visit Gemma’s JustGiving page.
Young people looking for support can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
Adults with concerns about a child can contact Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk.