We caught up with Debbie Clayton who took part in Trek China 2004. When we spoke to her she was preparing for her second Help the Aged trek to India. We asked her about her whole trek experience.

Why did you choose to raise money for Help the Aged?

'I work in a Help the Aged shop so I was aware of the great work Help the Aged does. When I found out about the trek to China I was very keen to take on a challenge that would benefit such a worthy cause. I feel very close to the Charity and was very excited to be getting even more involved.

'I feel older people are forgotten about and this saddens me a great deal. I believe the work of Help the Aged is valuable and essential and I am very pleased to be supporting the practical services it provides to older people such as the HandyVan scheme which secures older people's houses, making them feel safer in their own homes.'

What did you get out of the trek?

'Quite simply it was a fabulous experience. After the trek I felt much fitter…so much so that I am now preparing for my second Help the Aged trek to India later this year. When I went to China I was trekking with a fantastic bunch of people and I also got to experience a completely new culture, totally different from anything I had seen before.

'In order to prepare for the trek I went walking weekly and the fact that I had a goal to work towards kept me motivated.'

How did you find the fundraising?

'In honesty I did find the fundraising hard to start with but as soon as I told my friends and family they were all so supportive. Help the Aged gave me an information pack full of great ideas and once I got started I became more and more motivated to reach my fundraising target.

'For my next trek to India I have been fundraising with my friend so we have helped each other along the way and all the volunteers at the shop have been helping me. Kind friends have also donated gifts for raffles and baked cakes for coffee mornings.'

What would you say to other people interested in doing a trek for Help the Aged?

'Do it! Definitely do it. You meet lovely people from all across the country and you also meet the staff from Help the Aged who support you from the moment you sign up to the trek. All I can say is that it is achievable and can be done! I can't wait for my trek to India and I hope others reading this will be inspired to take on the challenge!'