Cancer charity announces 'Icelandic Challenge' trek

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is organising a fund raising trek in one of the world’s most enigmatic countries – Iceland.

The eight day walking adventure will take place on Saturday July 1 to Sat July 8 2006 and involves trekking across lava and snow fields, traversing glaciers and small rivers, trekking through stunning gorges and across beautiful multicoloured mountains before finishing in Europe’s most northerly capital, Reykjavik.

Recently hailed as the UK’s ‘hottest’ European destination at the Guardian / Observer Travel Awards 2005, much of the country is still taking shape before your very eyes.

Joyce Savage of UCF said: “For an extraordinary trek in a unique country you’d be hard pressed to find a better destination than Iceland. The remote and magical island known as ‘the land of fire and ice’ is filled with such diverse landscape it could easily be mistaken for another planet - in fact, it was here that US astronauts rehearsed walking on the moon.

“Passing by a spectacular waterfall you will cross the finish line at a breathtaking glacier and iceberg filled lagoon. After the trek, as a special treat to take away any aches and pains, you will have a free day in Reykjavik to pamper yourself in the world famous Blue Lagoon Spa or even take a whale watching trip. Whatever you decide to do the experience will be unforgettable.”

If you want to visit Iceland, have energy and enthusiasm, are medically fit and aged between 18 and 65, then this could be the trek for you. A £250 registration fee secures a place on the trek and while each walker must raise a minimum sponsorship target of £2,000, UCF fundraising staff will help support trekkers' fundraising efforts.

Joyce added: “This is an amazing opportunity for people to embrace an exhilarating and rewarding challenge which will have a positive impact on the lives of all those affected by cancer. In Northern Ireland one in three people will develop cancer during their lifetime and around 8,500 of us are newly diagnosed every year.

"As a local charity, UCF is committed to tackling cancer in Northern Ireland by supporting cancer research, providing services for cancer patients and by educating people on how they can reduce their risk of the disease.”

For more information or to order a registration pack, which explains everything you need to know about the Icelandic Challenge, contact Leonne on 028 9049 4466 or email Icelandic Challenge 2006 for further details.

(SP/MB)