Birmingham City defender Stuart Parnaby spoke of his pride in wife Paula after she conquered the Great Wall of China for the Meningitis Trust.

Paula joined fellow Birmingham WAGs Becky Doyle, Melissa Derbyshire and Leicester City’s Hayley Gallagher for the five-day trek.

The expedition was organised after Blues goalkeeper Colin Doyle’s son, Liam, almost died from the disease aged just seven weeks while the players were on a pre-season tour in the Far East last August.

The intrepid group walked and climbed more than 60 miles across tough terrain last week and had to rough it in lodges next to the wall.

But the experience helped to raised thousands of pounds and much-needed awareness for the charity.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience for her and the others.” said Parnaby, who married Paula in the couple’s home town of Durham last year.

“And to go on and do what she’s done for the cause shows what sort of person she is.

“I’m really proud of her and proud to call her my wife. And all the girls deserve a lot of credit to achieve what they have.”

Parnaby, who started in the 2-1 win against Bolton on Saturday admitted he missed Paula and drove to Heathrow to greet her on Sunday afternoon.