A group of women from St Albans will be braving lava fields and glaciers during a trek across Iceland to raise cash for charity.

Rita McGinlay, Cathy Thompson, Seema Barker and Emma Hooper, who are all trustees at the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, will take on the challenge with their friends Jan Muller, Karen Manners, Amanda Hutton and Tracy Lister.

The group, who are aged between 30 and 50, will spend five days trekking across the country later this month.

Ms McGinlay said: "We had been talking about doing something adventurous and a bit risky.

"We are quite excited but a bit anxious.

"There is a good team spirit.

"Quite a few of us have never done anything like this before. Some of the group have never even slept in a tent before. We’ve really thrown ourselves in at the deep end."

During the challenge the eight women will be trekking for up to 10 hours every day.

The group have set themselves a fundraising target of £9,000.

Ms McGinlay said: "We want to raise the profile of domestic violence.

"We’re doing quite well so far.

"People have been really supportive. Everyone is really behind us. It’s fantastic.

"They think we are brave but a little bit mad.

"A lot of people have really rallied together to help us on our way."

The charity aims to provide a safe and comfortable escape for women and children who are suffering domestic violence.

Ms McGinlay said: "It is absolutely critical for women who are in these situations to get support when they need it.

"Too many women have to stay in abusive situations which is just unacceptable in this day and age.

"The charity is not very well supported. It is becoming better known but it is still much less supported than some other charities.

"Nobody likes talking about it but it is going on all around us."

Fellow trekked Cathy Thompson added: "This is a really important fundraising event for the Refuge.

"Not only do we hope to raise essential funds, but we also aim to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

"It is incredible that two women are killed every week in this country by a current or former partner and a domestic assistance call is received by the police every 60 seconds."

To sponsor their fundraising effort visit http://www.justgiving.com/sahwr1