TWO senior managers from a York construction supplies firm are “walking the wall” in China to make wishes come true for children in the region with life-threatening illnesses.

Howarth Timber & Building Supplies bosses Mark Terry and Jason Rothwell are walking the equivalent of six marathons over six days in temperatures above 30 degrees centigrade, across the Great Wall of China, in the north-east of the country.

By the time the pair from the Leeman Road-based firm return on Friday they hope to have raised several thousand pounds for When You Wish Upon a Star, the UK charity that helps sick children’s dreams come true.

The venture is part of the company’s adoption of the charity for a year.

Shortly before setting off, Mark, the company’s national sales manager, said: “So far, we have topped £6,000 for the walk alone, and donations from Howarth’s customers and suppliers and our family and friends are still coming in. What’s more, Howarth has promised to add the equivalent of our salaries to the total, which will give a final boost to the bottom line.” Previously, the charity has arranged for sick youngsters to meet celebrities, drive Formula One cars and play alongside Premiership footballers.