The Messenger’s Charity of the Year will benefit from a gruelling trek across the stunning volcanic landscape of Iceland.

Lesley Dyball is taking part in the Fire and Ice Challenge in aid of The Parents Consortium, which will see her embark on a five day trek through mountain gorges, vast glaciers, frozen lava fields and sprawling caves.

She said: “It’s my 60th year in 2016 and I wanted a new challenge to celebrate this milestone, while doing something worthwhile for a local cause close to my heart.

“It’s also Parents Consortium’s 20th year of offering care and support to disabled children and their families in Kent”.

The trip begins on April 23 and is also being taken on by fundraisers from Northfleet hospice ellenor, which helps people across Gravesham, Dartford and Swanley,and other charities from across the UK.

Lesley is self-funding her trip, which will include a climb to the top of the 5,417ft volcano Eyjafjallajökull, so every penny she raises will go straight to Parents Consortium.

“Your support will keep me going through this challenge,” she said.

“Please come on and dig deep.”

You can support Lesley, who is chairman of trustees at the charity, by donating via JustGiving at justgiving.com/Lesley-Dyball or sending a text to LDFI16 followed by the amount you wish to give to 70070.

Alternatively, you can call Parents Consortium direct on 01322 668501 to make a donation over the phone.