Nine supporters of St Margaret’s Hospice Care are preparing to take on an extraordinary challenge – a three-day trek across Iceland’s Landmannalaugar, one of the most volcanic and breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
From next Wednesday, the group will cover 58km of rugged terrain, trekking for up to 12 hours a day across steaming lava fields, plunging fjords, spouting geysers and thundering waterfalls.
Known as one of Europe’s most ‘otherworldly’ regions, Landmannalaugar is as demanding as it is beautiful, with participants facing steep climbs, rough descents, and even the task of setting up and breaking down camp each day.
Despite its short duration, the trek is a test of stamina and resilience.
But the motivation driving the supporters is clear – raising thousands of pounds to fund the essential care St Margaret’s provides to patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses across Somerset.
Among the trekkers is Louise Wonham, a former nurse who worked on St Margaret’s In-Patient Unit for over 11 years. For her, the challenge carries deep personal meaning.
She said: “I wanted to give something back to the charity that helped us through the end stages of my husband Mike’s cancer. He died at home nearly four years ago.
“St Margaret’s were there for me and my two sons, Sam and George, who are joining me on this trek. Their Bereavement Support team helped us live with our grief after Mike’s death.
“Taking on this challenge is my way of honouring him and supporting the hospice that supported us.”
Also taking part is Hayley Milne, Head of Communications at St Margaret’s Hospice, who sees first-hand the difference the hospice makes for families.
“I speak to patients and loved ones regularly, and I see the impact of our care – it’s not just medical but holistic, treating people as individuals and helping them live as well as they can for as long as possible.
“By fundraising, I’m playing my part in shaping that experience. I can’t change someone’s diagnosis, but I can help ensure they’re supported at their most vulnerable moments.”
Hayley, Louise, and her sons Sam and George will be joined by fellow hospice supporters Anne Smith, Kate Knight, Phil Marshall, Dani Tomlinson, and Mark Tomlinson, who has chosen to celebrate his 60th birthday by taking on one of the toughest treks in Europe.
Hayley will also be documenting the team’s journey and progress on the hospice’s social media channels, giving supporters back home the chance to follow the adventure in real time.
The trekkers are calling on the Somerset community to get behind them by donating to St Margaret’s Hospice Care and leaving messages of encouragement on social media.
Donations can be made directly to the hospice at www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk by quoting Iceland Trek.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Challenges like this embody the spirit of our supporters – determined, compassionate, and driven to make a difference.
“Every mile walked in Iceland helps us continue providing expert care and comfort here in Somerset.”
PHOTO: Seven of the hospice trekkers are pictured together.