Emerald Windows Director Mandy takes on the Great Wall of China Charity Trek for Prospect Hospice

After completing a charity trek in Iceland in 2024, Emerald Director Mandy is preparing for an even greater challenge – the Great Wall of China trek in October 2025, all in support of Prospect Hospice.

Last year, Mandy and Emerald’s Installations Manager Charlene raised an incredible £6,000. This time, she’s gone even further, already raising just under £7,500 thanks to the generosity of friends, family, suppliers, and the local community.

A personal connection to Prospect Hospice

Mandy’s journey with Prospect Hospice began in 2019 when a loved one received care there. During one of her visits, she noticed a sign in the washroom about sponsoring a nurse – a small but memorable moment that marked the start of her ongoing involvement.

Her close friend Debbie later mentioned a charity trek across Iceland in 2023. After some encouragement and conversations with her family, Mandy decided to join in, beginning her first major fundraising adventure.

From Iceland to the Great Wall of China

After returning from Iceland in March 2024, Mandy felt an unexpected sense of emptiness. The experience had been so rewarding that she soon began searching for her next challenge – one that would push her limits even further.

That search led her to the Great Wall of China trek, taking place in October 2025. She’ll be hiking from Gubeikou to Jinshanling and Simatai, crossing steep and historic stretches of the Wall surrounded by remote mountain landscapes. Each day will bring ascents and descents ranging from 515 to 866 metres, making this one of her toughest adventures yet.

Training and preparation for the challenge

Mandy and Debbie began training as soon as they signed up. Together, they’ve tackled 21-mile walks, scenic routes along the Ridgeway, and the 108 steps at Kingshill, which they’ve climbed countless times to prepare for the trek’s demanding terrain.

They’ve also joined a WhatsApp group with 24 other local hikers from Swindon, sharing routes, encouragement, and progress updates along the way.

“I am so fortunate to be sharing this journey with an amazing group of people,” Mandy said. “It has been so good for me mentally – I suffer with anxiety, but I feel on top of the world when I’m hiking.”

Fundraising events and local business support

Recent funding cuts to UK hospices, including Prospect Hospice, have made support more important than ever – a need that has been highlighted in national news.

To help meet her fundraising goal, Mandy has organised several fundraising events, including an afternoon tea and a curry night, which raised £1,750 combined. She also took a creative approach this year by designing a sponsored training T-shirt featuring the logos of Emerald’s trusted suppliers – raising an incredible £3,000 through their generosity.

Emerald would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported Mandy’s challenge, including: Dekko Window Systems Ltd, Comp Door, Business Pilot, Purplex Marketing, Terrett & Co, Consumer Credit Solutions, High-Tech Sealants and Fixings, Enfys Windows, and Altior Asset Management.

About Prospect Hospice

Prospect Hospice provides free-of-charge, specialist care for people living with life-limiting illnesses across Swindon and Northeast Wiltshire. Their dedicated team offers support at the hospice’s inpatient unit, in patients’ homes, and in the wider community, helping families through some of the most challenging times of their lives.

With increasing funding cuts across the UK, support from fundraisers like Mandy is vital to ensure the hospice can continue offering its essential services to local families.

Gratitude and looking ahead

Mandy would like to thank her husband Martin, her children Shauna and Lee, her friends, and the entire Emerald team for their encouragement and support throughout her journey.

“If my story inspires just one person to take on a challenge or support Prospect Hospice, that’s enough for me,” Mandy said.

True to her determination, she’s already looking ahead – keeping an eye out for her next Prospect Hospice trek in 2027.

At Emerald, we couldn’t be prouder of Mandy’s compassion, dedication, and drive to make a difference. Her journey is a reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance, community spirit, and the desire to give back.

How you can support Mandy’s fundraising journey

Can you or your business help Mandy reach her fundraising goal?

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference and helps Prospect Hospice continue its incredible work supporting local families.

You can donate here.

Keep an eye out on Emerald’s Instagram and Facebook for updates!

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