TWO friends have teamed up to undertake an Icelandic trekking challenge for Cancer Research Wales – as a show of support for close family members.

Michelle Hunt, 38, and Sarah Cayton, 35, both of Barry, will join 20 others on the Iceland Fire and Ice Expedition which takes place in September this year.

The former Bryn Hafren Comprehensive pupils will undertake a four-day trail, covering distances of between 16km and 24km per day, with the aim of raising £5,000.

Mrs Hunt said: “I saw the challenge on the Cancer Research Wales website. My family has experienced more than most and this is the reason I am very passionate about this and want to raise money any way I can. I met with Dale Evans from Cancer Research Wales and knew straight away I was signing up. My stepfather passed away at the age of 30. My granddad at the age of 59 to prostate cancer and one of my best friends at the age of 36 only two years ago. My mum thankfully beat breast cancer and still has regular check-ups. Lastly what my family is going through at the moment has made me sign up now. My grandfather who is like a dad to me has been battling myeloma for over five years. He is such a fighter and my hero. I want to make him proud and take on this challenge for him, but also everyone else I have mentioned and for everyone who has lost someone or going through this now. When I told Sarah I had signed up she then joined on too. Her father has recently overcome cancer and I know this was a very hard time for her but with a happy ending.”

The duo will ascend extinct volcanoes and lava spills, walking along a diverse range of flat and undulating terrains, crossing rivers, walk over snow, and weaving their way through woodlands, hiking over volcanic ash covered mountain paths.

Mrs Hunt added: “It will be an amazing experience and a chance to raise money for a very worthwhile charity which personally is very close to our hearts. 4am wake-up calls, and four days of hiking – bring on the challenge.”

You can donate by texting MHSC77 and amount to 70070 or logging onto justgiving.com/fundraising/michelle-hunt19