We sadly lost our mum in May 2012 after a mercifully short battle with cancer. She was one of life's extraordinary ordinary people; kind, gentle and compassionate and forever putting the needs of others ahead of her own. It was entirely appropriate that these were the very same qualities that she experienced in her stay at St Oswalds's Hospice in Gosforth.

Mum was transferred to St Oswald's from a local hospital and at first didn't know what to expect. She was however, delighted with the place, from her beautiful room to the resident hospice cat who was a regular visitor. Whilst the quality of the facilities was second to none, what will live longest in the memory was the care, consideration and dedication shown to mum not just from the medical team but from every single member of staff. We are indebted to them all for making the last weeks of her life a peaceful, dignified and positive experience.

Without charitable support this incredible North East-based organisation (which needs to raise £6.5m per annum through voluntary giving) could not have helped alleviate the suffering of mum and so many others over the years with life-limiting illnesses not to mention also helping their families.

It is for these reasons that we have challenged ourselves to spend 5 days trekking across the glaciers of Iceland. This 45 mile trek will take us across black sand, icy streams, lush green valleys and between rocky peaks. It will also include a 1600m ascent up the Eyjafjallajokull crater which famously erupted on April 14 2010.

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