A VOLUNTEER from Penarth who took part in the first Marie Curie Penarth trek will celebrate her 70th birthday by trekking in Sri Lanka to raise funds for the charity.

Nerys Thomas, 69, from Penarth, is one of 14 adventurers to have already signed up for the nine-day Sri Lanka 2017 trip supporting the hospice in Penarth.

The charity held an information event at Mint and Mustard restaurant in the town last week to promote the trek to would-be walkers and Mrs is encouraging others to sign up and join her in Sri Lanka.

Mrs Thomas, a member of the Penarth and District fundraising group, said: "I’ll be celebrating my 70th birthday next year, so I thought signing up for the trek would be a great way to mark this special occasion.

“Next year will also mark 10 years since I travelled to the Atlas Mountains to take part in the first trek supporting the Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth.

"The last trek was great fun because I got to meet like-minded people, take on a challenge and raise funds for a worthy local cause, so I can’t wait to get my walking boots on again in Sri Lanka.”

Last year the hospice’s doctors and nurses cared for more than 1,000 patients, and their families, at a cost of more than £4.6 million.

Earlier this year, a group of nearly 30 trekkers flew to Costa Rica to climb volcanoes and explore tropical rainforests.

The group’s exploits raised over £100,000 for the Marie Curie hospice in Penarth.

Georgina Burke, Community Fundraiser for the Marie Curie Hospice, said: “Our recent information evening was a huge success, and it’s great to see so many people signing up for what promises to be a wonderful adventure. For those who are interested in joining the group there’s still plenty of time to sign up and begin fundraising.

“I would also like to thank everyone at Mint & Mustard restaurant in Penarth, who provided a warm and welcoming venue for the evening. We are very fortunate to enjoy such generosity from local businesses and the wider community.”

For further details about the Sri Lanka 2017 trek call Georgina Burke on 02920 426068, email Georgina.burke@mariecurie.org.uk or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk