THE store manager of Boots in Dursley will be taking on a mammoth physical challenge for charity later this year.

Zoe Hopkins had been planning to take part in a trek across parts of the Great Wall of China with a number of other Boots employees last year.

When the pandemic struck, the trek was put on hold, but now it is back on the cards.

“The fact that the event was postponed was disappointing, but I’m just so pleased it hasn’t been cancelled and that we still get the chance to go this year,” said Zoe.

“Working in the pharmacy during the pandemic was certainly challenging and, along with my fantastic colleagues, I am proud to be able to say we could stay open and support the local Dursley community during what was quite a scary time.

“Being able to talk about the trek again is really exciting and I’m glad there’s something positive to focus on.”

Zoe will be trekking in an effort to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).

The team of 58 Boots employees have been tasked with raising £4400 in order to raise money for the trek and for the charities. Zoe will be paying £1680 to cover the costs of the flights and trek, meaning any money fundraised will go directly to the charities. Boots will also contribute the final £500 for each colleague.

The total raised for the trek is expected to be around £250,000 from all of the employees involved.

Boots are hoping that it raises at least £230,000 which will be split equally between Macmillan and EORTC.

“If anyone is able to help towards my fundraising efforts, I’d be incredibly grateful. I still have £1000 to raise to hit my target; there is a collection pot in the Boots store, or readers can donate via the following link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ZoeHopkins6.”