ACTRESS Gemma Atkinson has joined a host of celebrities walking the Great Wall of China to raise cash for breast cancer research.

Gemma, aged 23, a former Hollyoaks actress from Bury, has been taking part in a trek to Beijing organised by Grease star Olivia Newton-John.

Celebrities such as Dannii Minogue, Toyah Wilcox, Cliff Richard and Joan Rivers are taking on stages of the 21-day hike to raise cash for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Australia.

It will be the primary site for global clinical trials as scientists try to develop cancer vaccines and therapies, which will help cancer patients worldwide.

Gemma is spending five days walking 67km through the rugged Shanxi hinterland.

And her experience in the Australian jungle during I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here will stand her in good stead as she camps at night with no running water or electricity.

Gemma said: "Being female, I am very aware of how common breast cancer is and I want to do my part to help. I want to raise as much money as possible to help the cancer patients of today and tomorrow.

"After the walk I'll look forward to having a long hot shower, as there is no running water during my stage. A massage would be nice and a cheeky drink on the plane."

The walkers can be sponsored at www.greatwalkto beijing.com.