Hello, thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I am delighted to report that I survived the 3 day trek to Laugavegurinn otherwise known as the "Pearl of the Icelandic central highlands." It was quite simply the most physically and mentally challenging feat that I have ever embarked upon and if I had to describe it in one word it would be “RELENTLESS!!!"

The natural landscape was breathtakingly picturesque and a geological treasure chest. Our challenge was to walk the Landmannalaugar route across the beautiful but desolate, multicoloured valley of sweeping rhyolite mountains, black- grey lava fields, geysers, waterfalls, canyon, hills laden with snow and ice cold streams which thankfully did not quite reach my thighs, but was so icy cold that it felt as if I had received a bullet wound!

I travelled with 4 other delightful ladies Helen and Alice from Wales; Gillian and Karen from Northern Ireland and our fantastic guide Petur who believe it or not together with 300 others did an ultra marathon recently along the same route! Edwin our cook travelled in the 4x4 with our main luggage and camping stuff and always had some hot delicious soup waiting for us at the end of each day.

Day 1 started out as my worst nightmare. The terrain was steep and I very quickly forgot about the beautiful, shiny, jet black -grey obsidian rock and had to concentrate on carefully putting one foot in front of the other. I lagged behind at my own pace but once I had overcome my panic and alarm I was able to enjoy the peace and tranquillity that surrounded me in the natural wilderness which is probably the closest you could get to Mars or the moon on earth!

It was a real test of survival and endurance because you couldn’t stand still or go back, your only option was to press on whether you liked it or not and in the beginning, I absolutely hated it. I don’t think I would have survived without my walking poles which were indispensable, or my boots which ensured I did not sustain and blisters at all!

We arrived at camp earlier than expected so we must have kept up a good pace. The temperature dropped considerably by the evening and the highlight of the day was lounging in the warm spring close to our campsite. It was heavenly and despite being around 11pm at night was still daylight!

The highlight of Day 2 after miles and miles of trekking through the barren, black purnice and lava fields was the majestic grand canyon and waterfall. We didn’t see any birds or animals for days but there were quite a large number of people; both tourists and locals along the same route which was very well marked throughout.

Day 3 was by far my favourite, despite being no less demanding. I seemed to have got stronger as I no longer lagged behind but chatted easily with Petur keeping an even faster pace than the previous two days. It was so refreshing to come across a forest and see and hear birds singing for the first time. I was like an excited child.

Day 4 was an opportunity to have a quick look round Reykjavik and visit the Blue Lagoon a futuristic spa in the middle of nowhere, it was an amazing sight and wonderful place to relax and soothe our sore muscles.

Over the 3 days we trekked over 35 miles, I learned a lot about Iceland a country with a population of a mere 330k, hardly any trees or vegetation; how to properly pitch a tent, sleep on stony ground, cross rivers safely, walk across snow fields but more importantly how to grit my teeth, endure and survive in extremely challenging, varied and RELENTLESS circumstances.

I braved the experience to raise funds for Zurich Community Trust, who in turn, supports a wide range of beneficiaries including their national partners Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hope and Homes for Children, NSPCC (Childlike), The Calvert Trust, The Foundation for Conductive Education and Canine Partners.

If you have not sponsored me already, it is not too late to do so now. Please give generously, or what you can so that together we can make all the difference!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Zurich Community Trust (UK) Ltd gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!