NINE supporters of St Margaret’s Hospice Care set off last week on an epic fund-raising challenge to trek across Iceland’s Landmannalaugar - one of the most volcanic and breathtaking landscapes on the planet.

The group will cover 36 miles 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 the trekkers facing steep climbs, rough descents, and the task of setting up and breaking down camp each day.

The challenge is a ‘true test of stamina and resilience’, but the group has been motivated by the need to raise thousands of pounds to fund the essential care St Margaret’s provides to patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses across Somerset.

One trekker, Louise Wonham, a former nurse who worked on St Margaret’s in-patient unit for more than 11 years, said the challenge carried deep personal meaning.

Mrs Wonham 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.”

Hospice head of communications Hayley Milne is also taking part.

Ms Milne, who sees first-hand the difference the hospice makes for families, said: “I speak to patients and loved ones regularly, and I see the impact of our care.

“It is not just medical but holistic, treating people as individuals and helping them live as well as they can for as long as possible.

“By fund-raising, I am playing my part in shaping that experience.

“I cannot change somebody’s diagnosis, but I can help ensure they are supported at their most vulnerable moments.”

Others in the group are Anne Smith, Kate Knight, Phil Marshall, Dani Tomlinson, and Mark Tomlinson, who chose to celebrate his milestone 60th birthday by taking on one of the toughest treks in Europe.

Together, the group will not only face Iceland’s wilderness but also represent the strength and spirit of the Somerset community rallying behind St Margaret’s.

Ms Milne will also be documenting the team’s journey and progress on the hospice’s social media channels, giving supporters at home an opportunity to follow the adventure in real time.

The trekkers have called 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 via its website by quoting ‘Iceland Trek’.

A spokesperson 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.”