Mikeysline’s Icelandic Lava & Light Trekkers Raise Over £55,000 for Local Mental Health Support

Fifteen determined fundraisers have completed an extraordinary 58km trek across Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscapes, raising more than £55,000 for Mikeysline's vital mental health and suicide prevention services.

The Icelandic Lava & Light Trek saw a team of Mikeysline supporters and staff members spend three challenging days traversing some of the world's most breathtaking and unforgiving terrain. From vast lava fields and cascading waterfalls to steaming geysers and rugged fjords, multiple steep uphill climbs and descents, participants pushed themselves physically and mentally to complete the demanding challenge in support of people across the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

Their achievement represents not only an incredible personal accomplishment, but also a powerful commitment to ensuring that no one in the north of Scotland has to face mental health challenges alone.

The funds raised will help Mikeysline continue providing its free, confidential and non-judgemental support services. These include text-based support, online messaging, face-to-face sessions, callback services and community-based wellbeing activities, available throughout the year for anyone who may be struggling.

Founded in Inverness in 2015 following the tragic loss of close friends Michael "Mikey" Williamson and Martin Shaw, Mikeysline was created to address gaps in mental health and suicide prevention support across the Highlands and Islands. Since then, the charity has expanded into Moray and has supported thousands of people through some of their darkest moments, becoming a trusted lifeline for individuals and families throughout the regions.

Speaking after crossing the finish line, Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said:

"What an experience this has been. The Icelandic landscape was absolutely incredible, but it certainly challenged us every step of the way. There were moments when it felt

extremely tough, especially with the full force of adverse weather on our longest trek day but knowing why we were there kept us moving forward.

Every person who joined this trek, donated, shared our fundraiser or cheered us on has played a part in raising these vital funds. The support we've received has been amazing.

The money raised will help us continue being there for people when they need someone to talk to and support to help them move forward when they are struggling. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this challenge such a success, and I'm incredibly proud of the whole team, the inner strength and resilience on show and the camaraderie and support offered to each other along the way and ultimately for what they've achieved together."

Mikeysline extends its thanks to all participants, donors and supporters whose generosity helped make the challenge possible and whose contributions will have a lasting impact on local mental health support services.

For more information about Mikeysline, its services or future fundraising events, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk.

If you would like to support the Iceland lava and light fundraiser, you can donate via the fundraising page: https://mikeyslineicelandiclavatrek2026.enthuse.com/mikeysline/profile?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0edoschk&fbclid=IwY2xjawUMz9RwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMGNKM28wdFJmdFk1RUZzdDBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe7ndwWGhDMjDILeyE34mBYJWaJf3ukL9okJMc9u0S79aizQDLRBYPzvqsrSs_aem_zSyKhkvL64O_FxcADE2D9A

How to contact Mikeysline: Text 07786 207755, WhatsApp 01463 729000, use webchat or Messenger during support hours which run Sun-Thu, 6pm-10pm and Fri-Sat, 7pm-7am. Alternatively visit www.mikeysline.co.uk to find out more about text-based support, Hives, groups, callbacks and local appointments.

ENDS