Bristol student conquers Kilimanjaro in aid of hospice

A student from Long Ashton is back home after scaling Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for a local children's hospice.

Lucy Haydock, who is in her fourth year of a medical degree, climbed Africa's highest peak, raising more than £1,700 for Children's Hospice South West, based in Wraxall.

After flying out to Tanzania, the 22-year-old, along with 14 other people, took just seven days to reach the summit.

She said: "Well, I made it. The most difficult challenge I've done in my life. We've taken many photos with the signs everyone associates with Kilimanjaro. I felt exhausted but relieved I had made it. The worst feeling was the thought that we had to go down.

"We walked back down to Barafu Camp and then a further five hours to Mweka Camp. I was extremely tired and had the best night's sleep I have ever had in a tent. Our last day took six hours to reach the park gate and we experienced rain for the first time on the mountain. At this stage I couldn't wait to reach the hotel, shower and rest.

"Although more challenging than I had ever imagined, I had a really terrific time and met some great people."

Ms Haydock added she also wanted to thank everyone who had donated to the charity.