Bronwyn Turei admits it’s a while since she’s been acquainted with the great outdoors. But her lack of experience hasn’t stopped Bronwyn from winging her way to China to take on one of the world’s more intimidating treks – leading a walking group along the Great Wall of China. She is doing it to raise money for Variety – The Children’s Charity.
The two-week trip will take her from Beijing to Shanxi province and inner Mongolia. The 28-year-old actress – most recognisable for her role as Cody on Go Girls – says the last time she went for a really long walk was when she was a child, growing up on the East Coast, and would go “wandering off” for an entire day. “But that’s when we were young and limber,” she adds.
The trip came as a bit of a surprise and prompted a last-minute scramble to get everything organised. Bronwyn was at a friend’s wedding in Perth when the call came in to see if she would go to China. Actress Robyn Malcolm had been scheduled to do it, but had to pull out. She says knowing that the trek was in support of Variety’s Future Kiwi Kids programme – which helps New Zealand children reach their potential and overcome challenges – made taking part an easy decision.
“I’ve been involved in the Variety Bash, going to schools, raising money and bringing lots of laughter, trying not to break down on the road in the middle of nowhere!”she says. She’s only had a month to prepare for the gruelling trip and says it has been a whirlwind of ticking boxes and organising. The most difficult part of the process has been getting sponsors on board.
One that quickly put up his hand to support her was her former on-screen husband, actor Joseph Naufahu, who now runs Ludus Maximus gym in Auckland. “He’s been a huge support,” Bronwyn says. She stepped up her training at the gym to regular boot camp sessions that are based on gladiatorial training.
“It was like boot camp crossed with CrossFit. It was the first time in my life I’ve gone into it like this. “Before I’ve always been a bit half-hearted, not really running on the treadmill.”
She noticed changes in her body – “I hurt everywhere!”– and her fitness and stamina have improved. “I’m definitely stronger. I don’t know how it will relate to the Great Wall, but I’m hoping it will put me in good stead,” she admits.
One of the things Bronwyn is looking forward to is meeting local people along the way. “I think the sheer epic nature of where we’re walking will be amazing too,” she says. As well as taking in the scenery during the 10-day walk, the group will be exposed to some of the ancient customs of the communities they’ll encounter along the way – such as mule carts, threshing of crops with stone rollers and hand-winnowing.
Bronwyn is still looking for sponsors. She says most of the money she’s been pledged so far has come from individuals offering what they can.