Ref. 25713-15A GROUP of intrepid fundraisers are preparing to tackle the gruelling volcanic terrain of Iceland in aid of the Swindon Cancer Appeal this weekend.

The trio will fly to the Ice-landic capital Reykjavik on Saturday to start a five-day sponsored hike, which will cover 140km.

Although the trek will be demanding, Sally Dean, John Hughes and Pippa Malone will also get to see spectacular scenery, with rolling ridges of solidified lava, glacial peaks and hot springs bursting from the ground.

And the trip will raise thousands of pounds for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Sally Dean, 44, who works in marketing and communication at Zurich Financial Services in Swindon, is taking part in the trek because her mother died from cancer in 1998 at the age of 67.

Sally, who has been promised £2,300 in sponsorship money, said: "I have never done anything like this before, so it will be a real challenge.

"I'm a bit apprehensive, it is going to be very tough, and there will be no washing or toilet facilities."

Sally has pulled out all the stops to raise funds.

She has sold bric-a-brac at car boot sales and also sold homemade cakes.

Zurich is also planning to make a donation to Sally.

As part of her training to prepare for the trip she has started walking to work from her home in Stratton.

John, 47, was inspired to take part because his father-in-law, Ted Lewis, died from cancer last year at the age of 76.

Ted received care and support from Macmillan nurses.

John, who works for Bracknell Forest Borough Council in Berkshire, plans to raise £2,000.

The Wootton Bassett resident has done charity walks before, but nothing on this scale.

Also taking part in the Icecap Trek is Pippa, 34, of Graham Street, head of customer services at Swindon fleet management company Arval PHH.

Two other Arval employees are doing the trek for Macmillan Danny Clenaghan and Louise Dickinson.

Graziella Campisano, appeal manager at Macmillan's Swindon office, said: "The trek is a great way to raise money and get to see a beautiful country at the same time."

A total of 60 people from across the UK are taking part in the trek, which includes permanent icecaps, an active volcanic peak and a deep canyon.

To make a donation to the appeal online, click here.

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