‘Volcano Girls’ raise £7,600 for five charities
FOUR friends raised more than £7,600 for charity by climbing three volcanoes in four days.
The ‘Volcano Girls’ – Kerry Robinson, Mel Crocker, Belinda Windsor and Amanda Helyar – trekked up Mount Vesuvius on the Gulf of Naples, the volcanic island of Stromboli, and Mount Etna in Sicily.
The money raised will be shared between five charities – Anthony McMahon [FOAT4myleg], Georgina’s Gang, Ernie’s Angels, Guernsey Mind, and Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief.
The idea came from their desire to get fitter, improve well-being and the need to have a good reason to train for something which took them out of their comfort zones.
The women trained for a year, which included an intense period of six months walking the cliffs and steps over and over again.
‘We walked in all weathers, gales, wind, rain and sunshine, and we were very grateful when the weather warmed up in February just a few weeks before the challenge,’ said Mrs Windsor.
The Guernsey cliffs could not prepare them for climbing at altitude. At about 10,000ft, the climb to the summit of Mount Etna made breathing harder and their feet seemed heavier. A landslide on Mount Vesuvius had made their planned route impassable and they had to take an easier one.
‘Stromboli and Etna were a different story altogether – tough, long, and with overwhelmingly loud explosions like being next to a jumbo jet,’ said Mrs Windsor.
The descents at times had been terrifying.
‘We descended at great speed in some areas as you cannot keep still because the angle is so steep and the terrain so loose. You literally start sliding so you just have to go with it and hope for the best.’
The team received medals for completing all three climbs. An average of just 60 people per year climb Mount Etna taking the route that they did because it is so tough so they were pleased that four of them this year will be from Guernsey.
‘Luckily we had no injuries apart from a few blisters, scratches and bruises, and we came back with all of our toenails, which is a bonus,’ said Mrs Windsor.
The training had been a commitment and their fitness had improved – and the team camaraderie had made it all worthwhile.
‘We hope that others may find this inspiring to do something and raise money for charity while getting fit, leaving the house, the chores and work behind every weekend.’
The team set out in the hope of raising £3,000 so the total far exceeded expectations. Mrs Windsor said they were extremely grateful to those who had sponsored them or supported them in some way.
Further details can be found on Facebook at The Volcano Girls. Donations can still be made at www.justgiving/guernseyvolcanogirls.
