EXHAUSTED yet elated, grandmother Sue Whiteley smiles after completing the toughest physical challenge of her life – scaling the second tallest mountain in Africa.
The retired teacher is now back at home in Shenfield after climbing 4,985 metres to reach Mount Kenya's third highest peak, Point Lenana, last month.
Reflecting on the climb, Mrs Whiteley, 59, said: "Oh my God, it was so difficult. I was told it wasn't going to be too hard and that you could stop for half an hour and have a look at the beautiful scenery but it wasn't like that at all."
The mother-of-three and grandmother of one added: "This is the hardest thing I have ever done but I am so glad I have done it.
"I felt so wonderful afterwards – I felt a real sense of achievement."
Mrs Whiteley, of Shenfield Place, undertook the challenge in aid of Sense International, a charity which helps deafblind people in developing countries.
During her trip to Kenya, she was given the opportunity to see staff and volunteers from Sense teach the deafblind weaving and other practical skills so that they can make a living.
Mrs Whiteley, who spent the best part of seven years in Kenya during her 20s, first became aware of the charity after her brother Terry Williams raised money for it by scaling Mount Everest and The Alps.
"I have always had a great affection for Kenya and its people," said Mrs Whiteley, who lives with her husband Barry, a 63-year-old company director.
"My brother supports Sense and when I heard that they were going to organise this trek I thought I would give it a go before I get too old."
She added: "It was very good to see Sense in action and the weaving and carpentry that the children were doing was fantastic."
Mrs Whiteley was part of a team of 14 people aged 21-59, who collectively raised at least £60,000 by scaling Point Lenana.
"Everyone found it very, very hard," said Mrs Whiteley, who has to date collected at least £6,500 in sponsorship.
"I was so exhausted on summit morning and there was one point when I nearly gave up.
"I was the last one to reach the summit and everyone cheered me when I got there, which was lovely."
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/susanwhiteley
