Preparing for Great Wall trek at York Maze

The 20-year-old, from Pocklington, will be completing the challenge in October to raise money for the Alzhemier’s Society, in memory of her late grandfather, Alex Donaldson. But, at 10km, the winding pathways of the maze are just a fraction of the length of the 100km trek she is planning to complete.

She said: “I’ve been working at the maze this summer, but before that I’ve done a lot of swimming and been at the gym.”

Miss McGregor found out about the trek through the Alzheimer’s Society, which put her in contact with the organisers. She will join about 40 walkers for the six-day challenge.

She is covering her own costs for the trip and had set herself a fundraising target of £1,500 – but, with support from her employer, has already almost reached that amount. A charity day at the maze saw £220 added to the pot, along with a generous donation of £250 from her boss, Tom Pearcy.

But aside from the adventure of the trip, Miss McGregor, who is studying psychology at the University of Sheffield, has a personal reason for wanting to complete the challenge for the charity.

“I feel very strongly about it,” she said.

“My granddad had Alzheimer’s and he died in March, and my gran’s (Cathy Donaldson) got it now. As part of work experience for my degree, I’ve been volunteering at a dementia care home. I’ve seen the work they do first hand and I know how important it is.”

After the trek, Miss McGregor will be studying for the rest of her final year when she returns, and she then hopes to go on to complete a Masters in neuroscience. She is hoping more sponsorship will come in to her website, www.justgiving.com/gail-mcgregor, before she sets off.