TRAVELLING thousands of miles to experience living history is Ros Allwood who for 10 years was curator at Letchworth Museum. She jets off next week to join a charity trek along part of the Great Wall of China. She is trying to raise money for the Eve Appe

TRAVELLING thousands of miles to experience living history is Ros Allwood who for 10 years was curator at Letchworth Museum.

She jets off next week to join a charity trek along part of the Great Wall of China.

She is trying to raise money for the Eve Appeal, which funds groundbreaking research into gynaecological cancers and is aiming to identify techniques which will halve the death rate from ovarian cancer.

"This disease killed my mother at 55, so it's a charity I'm keen to support," said Ros who lives in Meadow Way, Letchworth GC and is paying for the trip herself so that all money raised will go straight to the charity.

She aims to raise at least �1,500, and is well on track, although not there yet. She has been selling a range of home-made bags, glasses' cases and handbag tissue holders, all from Cath Kidston style oilcloth, and also held cake sales and a babysitting circle reunion.

Ros, who is now cultural services manager for North Herts District Council, will be going with a group of about 20 others, from all over the UK, trekking from six to eight hours a day.

Although the best-known parts of the Great Wall are paved, much of the trek will be on more difficult terrain. The Wall was built over the tops of the hills and mountains, and there are many thousands of steps.

The final day's ascent has 1,000 steps before the Wall is even reached, and then 350 steep steps - at a 70 degree slope - to a tower at the top.

Ros said: "It will be an adventure, but also a challenge. I can't believe that in a week I will be there. I've been training since the spring, and am definitely much fitter than I was then.

"If anyone would like to sponsor me for such a good cause, I have a JustGiving website where every pound given attracts gift aid of over 25 per cent. It is at http://www.justgiving.com/rosallwood

"I have been really touched by people's generosity; there are so many kind people in Letchworth and Hitchin.'

At the end of the trip Ros will be visiting museums in Beijing, and also flying to Xian to see the famous terracotta warriors.