Karen Churches is a keen traveller, adventurer and long distance walker and her adventures have taken her around the globe.

In May 2007 she bid ''city life'' goodbye and said ''howdy'' to the old west as she embarked on a 19 month adventure living life as a ''cowgirl''. Prior to this, Karen has spent years creating and leading a series of charity fundraising events at home and abroad which have raised millions of punds for charity been endorsed by politicians, health professionals and celebrities received international media attention and inspired thousands of people to get active and help others. In 2005, she spent four months walking 1870 miles from John OGroats (Scotland) to Land's End (England) via Ireland as co-founder and leader of the Kellogg's Corn Flakes Great Walk 2005. Karen was also the driving force behind the Great Walk of China 2004 and Women's Great Walk 2003 expeditions. To celebrate the millennium she trekked to Everest Base Camp and in 1997 she completed an independent sponsored climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

BIOGRAPHY

In April 1997 Karen Churches climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and, at the time, it was the most physical and emotional challenge she had undertaken in her entire life but this didnt stop her from daydreaming about ways in which she could push herself further.

Shortly after returning home an advert on the radio caught her attention - it was promoting a nine day trek along the Great Wall of China. That was it, the seed was sown. Karen vowed on that day that she would walk the length of the Great Wall before she was 40. She was just 30 years old at the time and didnt really comprehend then the enormity of the challenge she had set herself.

She wasn't what you would call particularly sporty and certainly wasnt an experienced trekker. In fact, prior to embarking on this epic journey Karen had only ever been on three trekking expeditions in her whole life. The first was to Machu Picchu in Peru when she was in her mid twenties. She was unfit, had totally the wrong clothing and her map was virtually useless. However, Karen eventually got to the ancient Inca city but couldnt help wondering why so many people raved on about the wonders of trekking as it seemed a rather peculiar pastime to her.

In 2001 Karen seriously started to think about walking the Wall. By day she continued to hold down her regular job, whilst the evenings and weekends were spent either in meetings, in front of the computer or with her head in numerous books about China. The organisation of the expedition would consume her personal life for the next 20 months.

From the start Karen was keen to share this journey with as many women as possible and felt very strongly about making the event accessible to anyone that wanted to join her. Unlike so many other expeditions she didnt want these women to go through a selection process - after all, who was she to judge whether they would be ''suitable'', she was hardly what you would call an expert! And slowly but surely the expedition started to take shape and one by one women began registering to take part in what had become known as the Womens Great Walk of China.

Karen always knew that this journey would be a test of physical and mental strength. And whilst stamina and determination did play a major part, following the outbreak of SARS, this adventure became a journey of hope.

Between April and November 2003 Karen trekked with over 160 different women on expeditions around the world, including actress Josie Lawrence and celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock. They all inspired her and she learnt more in those seven months trekking than she ever thought possible. Every woman was different - the youngest was 14 years old and the oldest was 67, they all came from different walks of life and had varying levels of fitness. Each had their own reasons for joining their chosen expedition but they were all united in wanting to make a difference and help others. The Women's Great Walk 2003 raised in excess of 550,000 pounds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Plan International and the Jane Goodall Institute.

In 2004 Karen returned to the Great Wall to lead the Great Walk of China expedition in aid of NCH, the childrens charity. This journey took Karen and her fellow trekkers, including actress Floella Benjamin OBE and television weather presenters Sian Lloyd and Chris Jones, through an ever-changing landscape and at times through villages and settlements rarely visited by foreigners.

In 2005 Karen completed a 1870 mile walk from John O'Groats, Scotland to Land's End, England via Ireland leading the Kellogg's Corn Flakes Great Walk 2005. As co-founder of this nationwide event, Karen encouraged people of all ages and abilities to step out with her and make a difference not only to their own health but also to hundreds of charities and good causes that benefited from the sponsorship money they raised.

Three days after completing this gruelling walk, Karen flew out to Tanzania to lead the Women's Great Kilimanjaro Trek - eight years, six months and one hour since first summiting the world's highest freestanding mountain, Karen was delighted and honoured to lead this group of inspirational and determined women to the roof of Africa.

Karen has just returned from the USA after spending 19 months living life as a ''cowgirl'' where she got to exercise both her mind and her muscles as she learnt about managing everyday ranch life. Close encounters with lightening strikes, flash floods, bush fires, rattle snakes, a dunking in a freezing lake and countless hours in the saddle getting entwined in thick patches of gnarly Mesquite now form part of her life's experiences.

Karen lives in London.

Below are just a few of the testimonials and endorsements that have been written about Karen Churches and the events and expeditions that she has been involved with

SINAI MOUNTAIN TREKS 2006

'I just wanted to say a big thank you for assisting us with these groups. In the future as and when opportunities become available I shall certainly be in touch. Thanks again and keep in touch.'
Gordon Steer - World Expeditions

'I am in Argentina at the moment and having just finished my 18 day trek with very poor leadership, I wanted to thank you again for being such an ace leader in Egypt. You dont know what you have til you don't have it!'
Sally Greatex (Group 1)

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT 2006

'A superb presentation, lively, witty and full of interest.'
Joy Cotton - Speaker Finder, Derby Women's Luncheon Club

'Karen Churches had a most interesting report to give us, which she did in an imaginative way, with a very skilful use of video excerpts and narrative. Without exception, we were all riveted, and most impressed by her story, and by the courage and determination of those taking part in the Great Walk. She managed to tell us just enough to gain our interest and to trigger our imaginations about the very professional organisational work, and the hardship undergone by all involved, without over-dramatising it or diminishing the greatness of their undertaking... a very thought provoking and entertaining speaker.'
Daphne Thornhill - Derby Women's Luncheon Club

'The photography, the story line and Karen's involvement in the whole adventure gave the talk the 'wow' factor. Karen's presentation was excellent ... I'm sure her walking expeditions (especially with the link with breast cancer) would be of great interest to other luncheon clubs and I trust the Derby Women's Luncheon Club recommend her most warmly.'
Marjorie Shakespeare - Derby Women's Luncheon Club

WOMEN'S GREAT KILIMANJARO TREK 2005

'Hello to you, the best English group leader I've ever met You played your role greatly by showing and reflecting your professionalism not only to the Mzungu team but also to the crew (guides, cooks and porters). The whole crew have since then been talking fondly of you and your exceptionally unprecedented leadership over the week-long duration you, together with your people had positively experienced on Mount Kilimanjaro with us.'
Stanley B Mbogo Chief Guide, Tanzania

'Many congratulations on successfully achieving the summit on your Women's Great Kilimanjaro Trek. What an amazing achievement. It was a pleasure working with you throughout the summer and I am glad that the Kellogg's Corn Flakes Great Walk turned out to be such a success. Keep up the great work and the walking.'
Rosemary Conley - businesswoman, author and broadcaster on exercise and health

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT 2005

'Our families found your presentation absolutely uplifting it was the perfect end to what had been a very heavy day with lots of research presentations Thank you again for coming and giving this breath of fresh air' talk There is a lesson that everyone could learn from what you have done over the last few years Please do keep in touch and let us know about your future adventures.'
Anita Macaulay - Chief Executive, The Jennifer Trust

KELLOGG'S CORN FLAKES GREAT WALK 2005

'I am delighted to take this opportunity to express my support for Karen Churches in her Great Walk from John O'Groats to Lands End via the Republic of Ireland. By undertaking such a feat, Karen will be an inspiration to the public, encouraging them to get physically active. The money raised through this admirable event will also be of great assistance to all of the charities in the UK and Ireland who will benefit. I wish Karen every success in her efforts and send my best wishes to everybody who will join her at the various stages.'
Prime Minister Tony Blair

'I am delighted to support the Kellogg's Corn Flakes Great Walk 2005. In this day and age it is more important than ever that people are reminded of the physical and mental benefits of exercise and the importance of keeping ourselves fit and healthy. It is my hope that the events will remind and encourage people to get out, get active and to make a difference not only to their own health, but also to thousands of local charities, school and community projects that will benefit from the event. I wish the Kellogg's Corn Flakes Great Walk 2005 initiative every success.'
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern

'Mayor of London would like to thank Karen Churches for making an outstanding contribution to life in London.'
Ken Livingstone - Mayor of London

'The promotion and encouragement of physical activity is essential if the health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle are to be addressed. The concept of this event is indeed an excellent one.'
RT Hon Richard Caborn MP - UK Minister for Sport and Tourism

GREAT WALK OF CHINA 2004

'In 2003 I spent three memorable months trekking in China with Karen Churches and it was truly an experience of a lifetime. I fell in love with the Great Wall, with China and the people who live in this ever-changing country. If, in 2004, you want to do something adventurous, fun, challenging and life-enhancing then please join Karen Churches on the Great Walk of China you wont regret it!'
Josie Lawrence actress

'Best of luck for your incredible journey. What a fantastic way to raise money for such an important cause.'
Sir Richard Branson entrepreneur

'The Great Walk of China is a tough challenge I wish you every success in your fundraising for this excellent cause and hope you have a safe journey.'
Michael Palin CBE actor, writer and traveller

'She is a great inspiration to her fellow walkers and fundraisers. Good luck.'
Anthea Turner TV presenter

WOMEN'S GREAT WALK 2003

'As patron of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, I am delighted to lend my support to the Women's Great Walk of China which aims to raise over 1 million for Breakthrough's programme of research into a disease which affects almost 40,000 women in the UK every year. I would like to encourage anyone considering joining Karen Churches and Maire Hanley throughout their six and a half month trek of the Great Wall of China to do so. This venture the first all-female walk of the Great Wall of China promises to be a unique adventure for all involved, as well as raising vital funds and awareness for breast cancer research. Anyone who takes part will be making history along with hundreds of like-minded women. I wish you all my very best wishes, and good luck, as you take part in this exciting challenge.'
HRH Prince of Wales

'Income is still trickling in from the Womens Great Walk of China and a staggering 554,000 has been raised for Breakthrough. This is a fantastic amount and we are extremely grateful to you for nominating Breakthrough as the beneficiary of the WGWC. Thank you so much for all your hard work and support before, during and after the event and for all your commitment and dedication to the WGWC. As you know, feedback from the women was amazing and their participation in the event was an experience they will never forget. You have been an inspiration to them and the experience touched their lives in many ways. We have been delighted with the success of the WGWC. In addition to raising a fantastic amount, the press coverage, which has been independently evaluated by evaluation specialist Metrica, has been valued at 1.8 million. This is a phenomenal amount and exceeds the amount generated by our flagship campaign, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.'
Lucy Lock - Breakthrough Breast Cancer

'Having been diagnosed with and successfully treated for breast cancer last year this was my chance to prove to all my family and friends that I had moved forward. We all experienced challenges on the trek, but we all helped one another and we worked as a team - the fun, friendship and camaraderie experienced were fantastic. My trek in the Gobi Desert was the most amazing experience of my life and the memories will stay with me for forever!'
Fiona Leslie Women's Great Walk of CHINA (Group 1)

'As one of the three 'ordinary girls' I just wanted to say how brilliant it was to be part of the first group I cannot even begin to tell you how much I got out of this challenge and it's only since arriving home at midnight last night that I am starting to realise the impact!'
Samantha Pinder - Women's Great Walk of CHINA (Group 1)

'Thank you so much for opening up the world of trekking to me, I had such a great time and hope we can do it again some day! Missing all the fun we had!'
Michele Morley-Welch Women's Great Walk of CUBA and PERU

'Thanks for a fantastic time in Peru and helping me realise I could still be one of the girls laughing for two weeks made me realise how lucky I am just to have had the opportunity.'
Amanda Lowe - Women's Great Walk of PERU

'The trek was one of the greatest experiences of my life I am so pleased I did it!'
Jane Evans - Women's Great Walk of PERU

'We've just got back from Tanzania and I am feeling extremely emotional it was the best experience of my life!'
Yvonne Primett - Women's Great Walk of TANZANIA

'Our group was quite a large one, 21 individuals plus local guides. Yet there were no sub-sets or factions, just a gang of increasingly dirty trekkers, united in the eccentricity of their enterprise and respect for each other's participation.'
Ginny Goudy Women's Great Walk of TANZANIA

'What an amazing woman and what an inspiration to us all. You encouraged me and lots of other women like me to break outside of our comfort zones and there's no going back now life will never the same again thank you so much.'
Rosy Parker-Blair - Women's Great Walk of TANZANIA and CHINA

'Because of you my whole life has changed, without you that wouldnt have happened. You are a very wonderful person. Thank you.'
Helen Gentle - Women's Great Walk of TANZANIA and CHINA

'For the first time in ages I feel like I've done something for myself that had nothing to do with being a daughter, wife or employer and it felt good ... Thank you for making me realise I was far more capable than I ever realised Things will never be the same again.'
Sue Kruszewski - Women's Great Walk of TANZANIA and CHINA

'Thanks for the opportunity. The experience exceeded expectation. Want to do another!'
Alison Abraham - Women's Great Walk of CHINA (Group 19)

'Thanks Karen for having a fantastic dream that we could all share in. It's been life changing.'
Sarah Morgan Women's Great Walk of CHINA (Group 19)

'You really are an inspiration and I admire your courage and determination.'
Susan Pittams - Women's Great Walk of CHINA (Group 22)

'A respectable slim woman with wild dreams, strong legs and will power!'
Gangyan and Zhu - China International Travel Service, Beijing

INDEPENDENT KILIMANJARO TREK 1997

'Currently we have a few people doing other sponsored events, such as triathlons, sponsored walks etc and whilst they are doing incredibly well, no one has managed to come near to your fundraising success. On behalf of everyone at MERLIN, I would just like to say a big thank you.'
Kate Mervyn Jones - MERLIN'