Trek Triumph becomes Tribute
Icelandic trek takes places for Centre Charity
During September, Dartford Assistant Manager Kirsty Gordon-Thomas, along with her friend Lizzie Dimmock, undertook a charity trek to Iceland in aid of our Centre Charity, Cardiomyopathy UK.
Kirsty is a self-confessed lover of warmth over the chills of the Nordic islands, and not a natural sportswoman, so this would prove to be a real challenge ahead. There were laughs on site when Kirsty was asked if she had all her equipment ready – the only preparation she had done was made a mood board of chic outfits for cold weather, giving everyone an idea into the shock she was going to have once there!
However Kirsty had a personal reason for heading to Iceland which would quash any clothing or equipment issues she would be set to encounter, as her husband Lindsey endured the very same disease that our centre charity supports sufferers of. His strength and bravery inspired her to do something completely out of her comfort zone, while helping others in the same situation, and many more due to the generous match funded of monies raised, by Basepoint owners; The ACT Foundation.
Kirsty and Lizzie undertook a section of the Laugavegur, a famous trekking route in South-West Iceland from the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar. The trek was tough; cold, and physically challenging. They completed an initial 8 hour trek negotiating volcanic rock through the Nesjavellir geothermal field to the Thingvellir National Park, an area of breathtaking natural beauty. They witnessed where two of the world's largest tectonic plates collide, and the Gulfoss Waterfalls which crash over two tiers. The famous Geysir area is also home to Strokkur, a geyser that erupts regularly every 4-8 minutes.
Sadly Kirsty had to return to England the night before the remainder of the trek as her husband had deteriorated and she needed to be by his side. She urged Lizzie to carry on and complete the trek on behalf of them both, and for the plight of all those who would benefit from the success of the trek. Lizzie championed on and crossed the finish line to the delight of all of their supporters.
The donations continued to flood in as devastatingly just weeks later, Kirsty's husband lost his battle with the illness. This tragedy showed all on site just how important this little known charity is, which Basepoint has given a platform to raising awareness, but gratefully appreciates the work of The ACT Foundation whose generous match funding will enable support for many more families going through the same situation.
The trek total has now reached £2,609.75 which with match funding means the charity have been donated an amazing £5219.50!!
Basepoint Dartford would like to thank all those who donated and supported the trek, which has been a huge success and a tribute to a remarkably brave man, husband and daddy.