THE fruits of a trek across Iceland by senior staff at a care company to help out a charity.

Staff from Hartford Care, based in Bunnian Place, Basingstoke, took the mammoth challenge to trek the remote Highlands of Iceland in aid of The Care Workers Charity.

Sean Gavin, Jo Gavin, Will Dalton and Leah-Marie Mills raised more than £13,000 for the charity.

The team took on three days of walking to complete the trek, but it was not all plain sailing.

About day one, Sean, chief executive officer of Hartford Care, said: “At one point, we walked through a snow storm and the visibility was very poor, you couldn’t see where to walk, and it was hard to look around and take it all in.

“It was very windy, our hands, feet and bodies felt freezing cold and it was hard to focus because you couldn’t see anything in front of you.”

However, the sites encountered kept the hardy group going.

Jo, brand director at the firm, added: "The variety of conditions was amazing - we saw lava fields, snow and mountains, luminous green of the lichens and I was struck with the beauty and rawness of the country - it was stunning.

“At some points we could look down and see lava fields and when you look at the landscapes you can see how the lava has flowed through the land and left its mark.”

The funds raised will help The Care Workers Charity which supports the basic welfare of current, former, and retired care workers by awarding hardship grants.

Will, company finance director, added: “Focusing on the charity gave us a real purpose and focus. We knew people were supporting us with sponsorship and wanted to do everyone proud. We recognise the value, dedication, commitment and love shown by our staff and others in the care sector.

“We believe that in undertaking this challenge, we will be able to shine a light on the valuable work of those working in care, as well as raise funds to support anyone who working in the care sector who may run into hardship.”