Pic: Debbie Bergstrom (L) and Jacqui Thomas (R)
A Carmarthenshire hospice volunteer is taking her fundraising efforts to new heights as she prepares for a demanding 15K charity trek in the Swiss Alps on the 12th September.
Jacqui Thomas, who has volunteered at Skanda Vale Hospice since 2018, has completed several sponsored walks along the Pembrokeshire coastal path. But her latest challenge — the Swiss Lakes Challenge — will take her far beyond familiar terrain.
Jacqui said she initially doubted whether she could take part.
‘I wasn’t sure about doing the challenge at first as I thought I might be too old — I’m 66 — and not fit enough,’ she explained.
‘The route crosses a high Alpine plateau above Davos, threading between a dozen glacial lakes. It then tackles a steep cliff section and two mountain passes rising above 2,700 metres’.
With encouragement from her friend Debbie Bergstrom, the pair registered for the event in April and began a dedicated training routine.
Since then, Jacqui has been tackling steep climbs twice or even three times a week, including the 1‑in‑9 hills near her home in Cynwyl Elfed, Carmarthenshire.
She has also invested in new walking poles and a rucksack to prepare for the Alpine conditions.
Pen-y-Fan
On 14 August, Jacqui and Debbie climbed Pen y Fan, battling hot weather and a steep ascent. Jacqui said:
‘My legs were fine, but I had to stop a few times to catch my breath and let my heart settle into a gentle rhythm again,’.
Once at the summit, the pair continued along a ridge for several hours before descending safely.
Jacqui on one of her climbs
Just over a week later, on 25 August, Jacqui and Debbie completed a 15km circular route in the Black Mountains. Jacqui said the cooler weather and her improved fitness made the experience ‘amazing’.
With her confidence growing, Jacqui now feels ready for the Swiss challenge in September.
‘Whatever happens on the Swiss Lakes Challenge, it will be a wonderful adventure — and I will be raising money for the lovely Skanda Vale Hospice.’
You can donate to Jacqui’s fundraiser by following this donation link below.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/jacqui-thomas-1
