Every now and then, people who have done something arduous for charity, write about their experiences on their return, and few surpass the memoirs of Enniskillen ASDA butcher, Nigel Woods who, along with Florence Creighton was among a party of 50 people from across Northern Ireland who recently undertook a six-day trek in remote Iceland to raise funds for the Ulster Cancer Foundation.
Local hosts looked after them, including guides, but that did not make their job any easier. They trekked on average between 12-15 miles a day in terrain that rarely went below 400 metres, and took in icy rivers and active volcanos.
The good news is that Nigel and Florence raised over £2,000 each and, all together, the 50-strong group raised £73,000 for the Ulster Cancer Foundation.
Having given us a potted history of Iceland, and the role played by early Irish monks in its discovery, Nigel goes on to explain that the country has a population of 300,000 of whom about half live in its beautiful capital, Reykjavik. The remainder live in fishing villages - the natives have resumed commercial whaling - and tiny hamlets.
"Earthquakes and volcanic activity are commonplace, and there are no motorways or railways. Iceland is also home to the third largest glacier in the world", Nigel relates.
So, it was into these elements that they trekked, pitched tent, washed their faces in local streams and then resumed their trek, wading through icy rivers, snow and deep ravines, all for a worthy cause.
The food, it must be said, sounds mouth-watering. The menu varied from porridge and dried apricots or breakfast and dinners from hot mushroom soup and monkfish to reindeer stew. But, having enjoyed the last-named after a particular gruelling day, a midnight rainstorm blew down nine of the 25 tents, including Nigel's. And, for good measure, a pole tent made contact with his forehead.
It meant that, for the next three days, he and the others had to trek in rain saturated clothing and rucksacks. Minor injuries were commonplace but, finally, the deed was done and a two and half hour coach transfer brought the party to Reykjavik and a welcoming hostel.
Through the 'Herald', Nigel and Florence thanked all those who sponsored them, and the members of the public and their work colleagues who supported them.
