TREKKING across glaciers and mountains, carrying a large backpack, there were times when York businesswoman Gemma Lumley just wanted to stop.

But she didn’t. Because during those moments she thought about why she was there – about the children the NSPCC would help with the funds she raised.

Gemma returned from the arduous 12-day trek in Patagonia, South America, earlier this month, having raised almost £5,000 in sponsorship.

The 37-year-old, who together with her husband runs a copywriting business called Urban Media Publishing, said: “It was an amazing experience, with incredible views.

“But there were days when the trekking was difficult and you just felt like stopping and sitting down.

“But then I would think about why I was doing it – that I was there to raise money for the NSPCC – and then I would think ‘stop whinging, as some people have it worse’.

“We had a great group – we all just kept each other going. And all together we raised more than £30,000 for the NSPCC.”

The mother-of-two began fundraising for the NSPCC three years. Her feats have included the Great North Run, the Great Manchester Run dressed as Pantosaurus, Everest Base Camp and the Yorkshire Peak Challenge. She has also run local fundraising events in York.

All the money raised by Gemma will go to the NSPCC, which runs a variety of services in York, including one that visits primary schools, talking to children about their right to be safe from abuse and neglect.

This year’s NSPCC Christmas Appeal - Light for Every Childhood – is focusing on neglect, which is the most common type of abuse affecting children in the UK.

The appeal is calling for donations to the NSPCC Helpline, 0808-800-5000 – which is open throughout the holidays –- so they can answer more calls and help children suffering neglect both at Christmas and all year round.

l Anyone who has concerns that a child is experiencing neglect or abuse, can contact the NSPCC’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 5000. Watch this video to find out more about what the NSPCC does. Next year’s NSPCC trek will explore the beautiful landscapes of the Transylvanian mountains, in Romania. If you would like to sign up, go to www.charitychallenge.com.