A seven-strong team from Basingstoke successfully tackled Africa's highest mountain raising nearly seven thousand pounds for charity.
The Basingstoke group left for Tanzania on August 19 to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in aid of Epilepsy Action.
The team arrived back in the UK on Monday August 30 after a week in Africa.
Laura McCafferty, 25, from Basingstoke, said of her trip: “I think it's fair to say that we are all absolutely exhausted now.
“It was tough but none of us really struggled which was a miracle, but it was hard work all of the way through.”
Laura was joined by Charlie Saunders, 25 from North Warnborough; Sarah Cluett, 24, from Hook,; Emily Stead, 25, from Odiham; Amy Carter, 28, from Basingstoke; Kristy Steggal, 23, from Tadley and Geoff Skipper, 25, from Hook.
The mammoth effort required 30 porters and 3 guides to get them to the top. The group carried their day sacks on the climb but the food and camping gear was taken up by the porters.
Laura said: “It was amazing to see what the porters could carry up the mountain. They put in a huge effort, at the end of the trip they were straight up the mountain again. It really is incredible what they do.
“They really spoiled us though, ensuring we were all well fed with some amazing food given to us each day.”
For a well deserved rest the team ended their African adventure with a four day Safari on the Tanzanian plains before flying home.
The team managed to raise £6200 and they say that there is more to come. The money will be donated to Epilepsy Action. Laura said she chose the charity after experiencing Epilepsy first hand, with her uncle suffering from the condition.
As well as climbing the mountain, the team have done a number of events to help raise their cash total, completing the Reading half marathon in March, doing the London Moon Walk in May.
To reach their £7000 goal they will finish their fundraising efforts with a barn dance in Hook for friends and family at the end of September.
The money raised will help fund information services provided by Epilepsy Action. Lat year the charity reached out to over half a million people through their support services.
To donate to the cause, visit www.justgiving.com/kilmanjaro19august2010.
