Built over 2,000 years ago The Great Wall is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed and is said to be visible from the moon because of its mammoth proportions.

Although a little daunted by the scale of her charitable project, Shauna O'Neill is committed to completing her five day trek in October which will involve walking atop the wall, which stretches across the mountains of northern China, for up to six hours per day.

At present she is in training for her arduous journey while trying to raise the minimum £2,500 which will fund her trip.

"Most of the money has to be in by May, so I'll be organising some fund raising events soon in the Ballymena area, such as a table quiz and hope that people turn out to support me," she told the Times.

Once in China, Shauna will be pulling out all the stops to raise a further £3000-£4000 for her chosen charity, the National Deaf Children's Society.

And it is a charity close to her heart.

"I've been giving to the Society for quite a few years because I have two cousins who were born with hearing impairments," she said.

"There will be lots of other people going out from October 4-11 to The Great Wall for charity treks but I think I am the only one, at least from Northern Ireland, who will be walking in aid of the NDCS".

As she steps out on to the wall, Shauna will be sure, at least, that she has the support of the staff of Ballymena's Hush restaurant behind her.

Workers at the premises on William Street, which is owned by her brother Gary, have pledged to sponsor her walk - which is only the latest in a long line of charitable efforts undertaken by the 30-year-old financial analysist from Frys Road in the town.

In the past, Shauna has abseiled down the BT Tower in Belfast for Clic Sergeant, the charity which supports the families of children with cancer, and, she has walked 10-miles for the MS Society.

"Walking The Great Wall of China is definitely the biggest thing I've ever done," said Shauna.

"The Wall is so huge that I'll only be covering part of it in the five days!"

Anyone who would like to find out more about her forthcoming trek or who would like to support her efforts can log on to Shauna's website at www.justgiving.com/shaunaoneill