THE WIDOWER of an Ellesmere businesswoman is taking on a charity trek across the Great Wall of China in memory of his wife.

David Hayes will be taking on the five-day challenge across the famous landmark to raise money for Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham, which cared for his wife Joan Milton.

David said: “The trip takes place from October 19 to 27 and on the last day we will be carrying bricks up to repair a section of the wall.

“I will be placing a brick with a memento of Joan into the wall. It will be exactly a year after her death that I will be doing something in her honour at this amazing place.”

Joan started Whixall Wood Furniture, which became JA Milton Upholstery Supplies, which celebrates it 30th anniversary next year and based in Whitchurch before moving to Ellesmere.

To raise money for the charity, David is also selling tickets for a 90-second trolley dash at Stans Superstore in St Martins.

David will be at Stans selling tickets, which cost £1, on Thursday and Friday, September 13 and 14, and Saturday and Sunday, September 29 and 30.

“Nightingale House was absolutely fantastic when we were going through such a horrible time,” he added.

“This is to mark the anniversary of Joan’s passing – a wife, mother, grandmother and businesswoman who was so taken by the care and support she received from Nightingale House Hospice that she wanted to do all she could to raise money for them so other families could benefit like she did.”