A Dundee woman has told how pop stars Union J are helping her shape up for her trek across the Great Wall of China.
Mum-of-two Caroline Simpson, 32, will join George, Jaymi and JJ as part of the nine-day trip to the tourist attraction from October 3-11.
The journey will see 30 participants traverse some of the most challenging and arduous stretches of the iconic Great Wall to raise funds for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel.
Caroline mum to Connor and Alyx said her exercise regime has been going well to get ready for the challenge and the Union J guys have been on her playlist when she is out training.
She admits she is nervous thinking about the trek itself after reading about how steep some parts of the wall are and how rough the terrain will be.
Thanks to those who have sponsored us already. Have you? https://t.co/gKb85boC1j pic.twitter.com/flLtAVfKem
— Union J (@UnionJworld) September 18, 2015
She said: “We are mostly hitting parts where the wall hasn’t been renovated, so lots of crumbling, uneven steps to climb I hear.
“Mostly though I’m just really excited and can’t wait to meet everyone, especially the Union J guys who are of course on my playlist for when I’m out training!”
Three of the Union J lads agreed to take up the Great Wall trek for the charity and Caroline successfully applied to be part of their fundraising team.
Caroline was given the challenge of raising £3,250 before flying to Beijing to join the former X Factor stars but has smashed the £6,000 mark.
Caroline, who works for the Scottish Social Services Council, said: “The fundraising has gone unbelievably well.
“The money was raised through a number of events, including a prize bingo night, a tombola stall, a dress-down Friday and bake sale at my work and my race night, which raised £1,047 on the night alone.
“I have also been doing a bit of old-school style fundraising, such as a Smarties challenge where I’ve given out 40 numbered tubes of Smarties and asked people to fill them with 20ps.
“Lastly there have been lots of personal donations which people have kindly put on to my fundraising page.”
Local companies have also sponsored a flag Caroline is taking to China.