Nikki on her crutches having successfully scaled the glacier. Photography by Paul Doherty.
A young Donegal woman who faces having her leg amputated has just successfully scaled a glacier in Iceland – on crutches.
Nikki Bradley is overjoyed having completed her first international adventure by scaling a route of the Solheimajokull glacier in Iceland.
She told Donegal Daily Nikki “I am tired, sore and stiff but it was worth it. I have collected memories that will remain with me for the rest of my life. My wish is that people use this story as the fuel needed to ignite their own life passions.
“I push myself despite the difficulties I face daily. I experienced severe pain during the trip, especially on the third day but I knew I would not come home without feeling I had done enough.’
Nikki is facing the possible amputation on her right leg due to damage caused by radiotherapy.
She has a suspected hip infection, which, if confirmed, will dramatically reduce her options regarding future surgery but that will not deter Nikki from the path she is currently travelling.
Nikki and her team. Photography by Paul Doherty.
She added “This is just the beginning for me. I wanted to attempt an adventure outside of Ireland to test myself and my abilities before I begin planning future international challenges. I think I have surprised myself a little!’
Nikki is the founder of an awareness campaign called Fighting Fit For Ewing’s where she partakes in physical challenges. The purpose of this is to highlight the importance of exercise for rehabilitation while raising awareness for Ewing’s Sarcoma.
The team who included ‘Donegal Ice Road Trekkers’ Denis Ferry and Leslie O Donnell, Photographer Paul Doherty and industrial climber Ian Parke made their way to Iceland in the early hours of Friday morning.
Upon arrival the team picked up their Landrover super defender which would safely deposit them from one length of Iceland to the other.
“This is just the beginning for me. I wanted to attempt an adventure outside of Ireland to test myself and my abilities before I begin planning future international challenges. I think I have surprised myself a little!’
While on the glacier Nikki abseiled into a 45 foot ice cave, the depth unknown prior to the abseil.
Nikki about to abseil down the glacier.
“Due to overhanging snow it was unsafe to walk to the edge to check the depth. Our guide threw a snowball in and we listened for the thud of it hitting the ground. I was terrified as I leaned back on the rope but due to an unsuccessful abseil attempt earlier in the day, I was determined and stubborn enough to fight back the fear and get on with the task at hand. I felt very lucky to have the team with me as they were needed to pull me out again!’
Nikki’s sponsors ‘Gibson & Associates’ played a predominant role in turning the idea of travelling to Iceland into a reality.
‘We also decided to team up with The Childhood Cancer Foundation and aim to donate all surplus funds to them. ‘I worked with the CCF last year and was blown away by the difference they make to families affected by cancer. If you would like to donate to them you can visit our charity page; www.gofundme.com/IcelandOnCrutches’
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