At the beginning of 2011 I decided that I would set myself three challenges to carry out during the following 12 months, a skydive in March, the London 10k run in July and then the finale – attempting to summit Kilimanjaro.

After a whole year of training and preparation, on the 1st February this year I set off for Tanzania.

It was a grueling but beautiful 10 days on the mountain. Altitude sickness & loss of appetite was an issue from about day 2 but with the help of our leader, medic & fantastic porters I pulled it together! I’m not sure I will ever be able to explain the mixture of feelings & emotions I experienced on summit night & the sheer elation when I made it to the top.

Climbing Kilimanjaro, as I predicted was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life but has also been the most rewarding. I made some amazing friends along the way – we called ourselves ‘Team Lucky’. Everyone looked after each other & kept spirits high.

It has been strange being back home, I missed life on the mountain & the comradeship of our team but Im enjoying a rest from training and am so grateful for the small home comforts I once took for granted!

I’m delighted to say that my 3 challenges have now raised over £4000 for Brain Tumour UK – the leading, caring charity committed to fighting brain tumours. Their work focuses on providing support, funding research and raising awareness.

I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored and supported me & for anyone who would still like to donate they can at www.justgiving.com/kathrynearl

Would I do it again?……. If you had asked me the same question on summit night, I may well have said no! …. but I HIGHLY recommend everyone to do it, it really was a rewarding life changing experience & I’m already thinking about what my next challenge can be!