TWO Manchester professionals are making their final preparations for a trip to the land of the Olympics to embark on a `marathon' of their own.

Ian Jones, 35, and Claire Dwyer, 29, partners at Didsbury-based corporate insolvency practice JLD, will take part in a trek along the Great Wall of China for cerebral palsy charity Scope.

They have so far raised more than £10,000 in pledges as they gear up for the five-day walk, aiming to cover at least 60km in stifling humidity.

Ian and Claire have spent the last six months preparing for the trip. Their journey coincides with JLD's busiest period since they established the firm in January 2005.

Last month alone, JLD received a record 15 instructions to act as liquidator or administrator for construction, manufacturing, haulage and pub firms across the country.

Ian said August was shaping up to be an extremely busy month for the £1m-turnover outfit which is based in Parrs Wood.