Emma Hare is embarking on a life-changing journey: a three-day trek across Iceland in support of CoppaFeel!, a charity devoted to raising awareness about breast cancer. Alongside a team of fundraisers, including Gi Fletcher, Emma will traverse Iceland’s stunning yet unforgiving terrain, determined to make a meaningful impact through her efforts.
The following blog, written by Emma, dives into her personal story, the preparations for this remarkable trek, and the vital importance of CoppaFeel!'s mission.
Trekking in Iceland for a Life-Saving Cause: My CoppaFeel! Adventure
This July, I’m going to embark on one of the most exciting, challenging, and meaningful adventures of my life: a three-day trek across Iceland in support of CoppaFeel! – a charity that’s very close to my heart. Alongside Gi Fletcher and other well-known faces, I’ll be trekking through Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, all to raise awareness and funds for this incredible cause. CoppaFeel! is on a mission to make sure young people are regularly checking their chest and, more importantly, catching early signs of breast cancer.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what I’m preparing for this trek, why it’s such a personal mission for me, and how you can get involved. Along the way, I’ll also highlight some of the essential gear which I will need to purchase for the trek to ensure I’m prepared for Iceland’s cold and unpredictable weather. Plus, I’ll share my training plans and how I’m getting ready for this epic adventure.

Why This Trek Means So Much
For me, this trek is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a deeply personal mission to raise awareness for a cause that has already touched my life in a profound way. Last time I fundraised for CoppaFeel!, I was told by a woman that thanks to the information I provided at the local village fete, she checked her chest that evening and found a lump. She acted quickly and was diagnosed with cancer, which was successfully removed. Now, she’s cancer-free. That moment confirmed just how important it is to talk about breast cancer awareness and encourage people of all ages and genders to regularly check their chests.
CoppaFeel! is dedicated to ending late diagnoses of breast cancer, and by empowering young people to check their bodies regularly, they’re giving people the confidence to act fast if something doesn’t feel quite right. This is a mission I’m incredibly proud to be part of.

The Trek: A Challenging Journey Across Iceland
Iceland is known for its stunning landscapes, but it’s also a land of extremes, with unpredictable weather and some very challenging terrain. Over the course of three days, myself and a team of amazing fundraisers, most of whom will be strangers at the start, will be trekking through rugged mountains, volcanic landscapes, and glaciers. The conditions will be tough, especially given the cold temperatures that can persist even in July.
But with every step I take, I’ll be motivated by the knowledge that this journey is helping to raise much-needed funds for CoppaFeel! and its vital mission. The trek will push me physically, but it’s a small price to pay compared to friends I'll make along the way and the impact we can have by supporting such a life-changing cause.
Training for the Trek: Building Stamina and Getting Used to the Cold
Preparing for this trek involves more than just gearing up with the right equipment—I also need to do plenty of training to get my body ready for the challenges ahead. As part of my preparation, I’ll be doing a number of training treks over the next few months to ensure that I’m physically and mentally prepared for the Icelandic conditions. In February, I’ll be taking on a two-day training trek in the Lake District. The cold, unpredictable weather and rugged terrain will provide a perfect simulation of what I can expect in Iceland. It’s also a great way to test out my gear and see what works and what I still need to adjust.
Then, in April, I’ll be tackling the West Highland Way in Scotland. This famous 96-mile route will not only give me valuable experience with long treks, but also help me get used to the cold nights camping. The nights on the West Highland Way can get chilly, so it’s the perfect opportunity to adjust to sleeping outdoors in colder conditions. To make the training even more fun (and raise a bit more awareness!), I’m considering doing the West Highland Way while wearing a giant boob costume. It’s sure to be a sight, and will definitely get people talking about CoppaFeel! and the importance of checking your chest.
I also plan to do several other shorter training treks in between these bigger ones, building up my endurance and testing different aspects of my gear and preparation along the way.
Preparing for the Cold: Gear I’m Planning to Buy for the Trek
Iceland’s cold, often unpredictable weather means I need to be prepared for all conditions. Having the right gear is crucial to making sure I stay comfortable, safe, and focused on the task ahead. Below are a few of the key items I still need to get my hands on.
Sleeping Bags and Quilts: Keeping Warm in Iceland’s Chill
At night, Iceland’s temperatures can drop significantly, even in the summer months. For this reason, I’ll need to make sure I have a high-quality sleeping bag to stay warm. I’m looking into getting the Enlightened Equipment Enigma 850-6 Quilt. It’s known for being lightweight yet incredibly warm, making it an ideal option for cold-weather treks. This quilt would keep me comfortable in Iceland’s chilly nights without adding unnecessary bulk to my pack. If you're planning a cold-weather trek yourself, this could be a great investment. You can check it out here.
Power Banks: Staying Charged on the Go
With long days on the trail and limited access to power outlets, having a reliable power source for my devices is a must. I’m planning to purchase the Nebo 20K Ultralight Power Bank with Digital Display. It’s compact, powerful, and has a digital display to show exactly how much charge is left. This power bank would be perfect for keeping my phone charged, which I’ll need for GPS, emergency communication, and documenting the journey. If you're trekking in remote areas, I highly recommend investing in a good power bank like this. You can find it here.
Gaiters: Protecting My Legs and Feet
Walking through muddy terrain, snow, or volcanic ash means my legs and feet will need extra protection. I’m considering the Outdoor Research Women's Crocodile Gore-Tex Gaiters to keep my feet dry and comfortable. These gaiters offer waterproof protection and will be perfect for keeping the elements at bay while I navigate challenging terrain. If you're heading into tough environments, gaiters are essential for protecting your gear—and your legs! You can find them here.
How You Can Support My Trek
While I’m gearing up for this trek, I need your support to make it a success. All of the funds I raise will go directly to CoppaFeel! to help them continue their mission of educating young people about breast cancer awareness and empowering them to take charge of their health. If you’d like to support me on this journey, please consider making a donation to my JustGiving page. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will help save lives and make a real difference. You can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/emma-hare-coppatrek-iceland.

The Power of Awareness: Why CoppaFeel! Matters
When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is key. Too often, young people don’t check their chests regularly or are unaware of the signs to look for. CoppaFeel! aims to change this by encouraging people of all ages and genders to check their chests regularly, understand what’s normal for their bodies, and seek help from their GP if something feels off. Their campaigns are changing the conversation around breast cancer, and I’m proud to play a small part in this movement. By supporting CoppaFeel!, you’re helping to ensure that more people can catch the early signs of breast cancer and get the treatment they need before it’s too late. Your donation is helping to fund the education and resources that will save lives.

Final Thoughts
Please check your chests! Iceland may be a physically demanding place to trek, but the reward of raising awareness and funds for CoppaFeel! is immeasurable. I’m incredibly grateful for your support, whether it’s through a donation or simply by sharing my journey. This trek is about more than just the adventure—it’s about saving lives, empowering people to take control of their health, and spreading awareness about the importance of checking your chest regularly.
Please go ahead and check your now! Thank you for your generosity and for joining me on this life-changing mission. To learn more about CoppaFeel! and how you can get involved, visit www.coppafeel.org.
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