Last month, our Operations Team Manager Rose Stanyer took an incredible journey to China to hike along the Great Wall. Not only was this a rewarding experience for herself, but her journey (and the funds she raised) assisted the Future2 Foundation’s Make the Difference Grants Program to fund grassroots projects across Australia that provide financial education, mentoring, and support for those who need it most.
Read Rose’s reflections on team work, resilience and hiking in China:
Over the course of eight days, with five spent actively hiking, our hiking covered approximately 50 kilometres of the Great Wall of China. Much of this journey took place on unrestored sections that are not open to the public, with parts dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. These sections felt raw and rugged, and navigating the crumbled stone paths and bush trails across steep, rocky slopes was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Somewhat unexpectedly, the most physically difficult aspect for me occurred on the restored sections of the wall. While these areas were intact, the steps were relentless. They varied in height, width and angle, with some so narrow that they needed to be climbed sideways. Many were steep, tilted or slippery, making both ascents and descents demanding. I found these sections far more taxing than the unrestored areas and much preferred the days spent carefully navigating uneven terrain rather than tackling the punishing steps.
Everyone in the group faced their own challenges. Some struggled with heights, others found the downhill sections difficult, while some found the cold nights particularly tough. What stood out most was the constant support within the group. There was always someone ready to encourage, help or lighten the mood with a joke when things became difficult. That sense of shared effort and encouragement was one of the strongest aspects of the experience, and at different times, we were all able to be that support for someone else.
The hike delivered everything I had hoped for and more. It truly felt like a once in a lifetime experience, made even more meaningful by sharing it with an incredible group of people. Watching the resilience people showed when physically exhausted, seeing the positive mindset of those facing personal fears, and witnessing the quiet leadership of individuals who lifted group morale during challenging moments were some of the most valuable takeaways. Despite our different personalities, the experience demonstrated what genuine teamwork and leadership look like and reinforced how much mindset and belief contribute to overcoming challenges.
In terms of preparation, I underestimated just how much stamina, strength and endurance would be required. While I consider myself generally fit and healthy, I wish I had trained more specifically for the demands of the hike. The experience also highlighted how accustomed we are to everyday comforts. From missing coffee in a culture where it is not part of daily life, to adjusting to very basic facilities, the absence of small luxuries was noticeable. Not having a warm shower or feeling clean made me realise how easy life usually is when those comforts are available.
I completed the hike as part of a group of ten participants, including a sponsor representative, alongside two exceptional guides. At the start, most of us did not know each other well, but spending time hiking together allowed relationships to develop naturally. We rotated between walking with different people, gradually learning more about each other along the way. By the final days, the strength of those relationships had become a powerful motivator, particularly during the toughest moments. There was a strong sense of accountability to the group and a shared determination not to let one another down, which carried us through to the finish.
-Rose Stanyer
If you would like to read our pre-travel interview with Rose, click here for our LinkedIn post.
