THERE were highs and lows, tears and the odd tantrum – but we did it.

After five days of trekking across tough terrain and roughing it in wall-side lodges, there was elation as we reached the end.

We all felt a sense of pride and achievement as we posed for pictures next to a Chinese sign which translates into: “You’re not a real hero until you have climbed the Great Wall.”

Now, none of us are heroes like the hundreds of people who battle illnesses like meningitis every year – but we played our part in trying to raise awareness of the killer condition and raising funds for the Meningitis Trust.

Melissa said: “I feel great. On Tuesday I wasn’t sure I would make it through the week but it is an amazing feeling to complete the challenge.”

Paula said: “I feel ecstatic. I don’t think people back home will realise how hard it is. Some of the steps were up to my knees and I climbed using my hands.”

“We all had emotional moments every day and it was scary at times,” Melissa said. Hayley said: “Everyone expects it to be flat but some parts are so steep. I feel really proud.”

Becky, who organised the challenge, said: “It’s been physically and mentally draining but we are here now, we have done it.”

Not only did we complete the challenge, we also played a part in Chinese history by helping to repair the Great Wall in the Badaling Old Section. We were able to place bricks on a watch tower which is being rebuilt.