Three mums will be leaving their loved ones behind to take on a challenge of a lifetime in aid of four charities.

Joanne Burroughes, Tanya Forster and Emma D’Avilar will be donning their snow boots and winter jackets in preparation for the 52 kilometre Laugavegur trek, in Iceland.

The friends will take on the challenge in June to give something back to those who have helped them.

“Initially we were really excited, then it sunk in and we thought ‘what have we done?’ but as it gets closer we are very determined and very excited about getting it done,” Joanne said.

The mum-of-two, from Provence Road, Stukeley Meadows, has chosen to donate funs to the Willow Foundation which organised a break for her family after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

“When she [Emma] first approached me my instant reaction was ‘no way’, this isn’t something that any of us normally do.

“Then I thought why couldn’t I

do it? It is a massive experience, having previously had breast cancer now I just think ‘why not just go for it.’”

Emma, of Queens Drive, in Hartford, has chosen to fundraise on behalf of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices

as the facility provided

support to family friend, Chloe Bowes, who has complex

health needs due to a genetic condition.

Huntingdonshire Society for the Blind and Bloodwise will also benefit from the trek as former deputy mayor of Huntingdon, Tanya, of Rydal Close, Stukeley Meadows, will be trekking on behalf of the two charities.

To train for the expedition the trio are increasing their workouts and walks all with the support of their families.

“They are all quite excited, and I think they are all proud of us but probably think that we are quite wacky parents. In all they have been brilliant and are backing us all the way,” added Mrs Burroughes.

Throughout the trek the mums will be walking over varied and rough terrain including lava fields and ice rivers.

The three friends are also hosting a number of events alongside the trek in a bid to reach their £9,900 target.

To find out more about the trek and their events, log on to www.mumstrekiceland.com.