On top of the world after ‘Kili-climb’

on top of the world after

scaling Africa’s Mount

Kilimanjaro in a successful search for charity funds.

Breast cancer survivor Pauline Crompton, her daughter Kerry and seven friends - Sian Barber, Bethan Ford, Jennifer Pickin, Gwen Hopkins, Victoria Carey, Philippa Kitson and Gemma Brindle - between them raised a £19,000-plus mountain of cash.

Of the overall total, £17,780.81 is destined for Cancer Research UK.

The remaining £1,500 is going to the Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Special Olympics.

(Acting as Guardians of the Flame of Hope - the torch) - and raising money and awareness, LETR is the Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle) .

At 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Speaking ahead of the self-funded ‘Kili-climb’ last year, Dromara woman Pauline was expecting a “terrific” albeit challenging experience.

It turned out to be just that, on both counts.

Along the way the locals encountered a range of terrain from rainforest, through moorland, to desert.

There were temperature extremes and altitude sickness to contend with too , all of which the trekkers apparently met with a song.

“Now it’s ‘mission accomplished’,” said Pauline, “and with our fundraising website closed we now want to let people know how much we raised and to thank them.

“All in all it was a very enjoyable and successful trip.

“Our group of nine ladies raised a total of £17,780.81 for Cancer Research UK and £1500 for Law Enforcement Torch Run supporting Special Olympics.

“At this point I must say a big thank you to all our family, friends and colleagues for their very generous donations towards our fundraising efforts.

Pauline stressed all money raised from the climb was going to the chosen charities.

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