Dewsbury woman climbs Mount Kilimanjaro for deafblind charity Sense

The 26-year-old is celebrating after reaching the summit of Africa’s highest mountain.

She not only fulfilled a personal dream in getting to the top of the 5,895m peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, but also raised more than £4,000 for Sense, the deafblind charity for which she works.

Lydia is now back home with a message of thanks for all the local people who supported her in the challenge, which saw her reach the summit after six days of trekking.

Most of her fundraising took place in Dewsbury, including a sponsored bag pack at Sainsbury’s.

Lydia said: “I’ve wanted to climb Kilimanjaro for as long as I can remember. The trek was an amazing experience. It wasn’t all plain sailing – the altitude sickness affected everyone – but standing on the summit more than made up for all the low points.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who supported me and want to say a big thank you!”

Lydia was inspired to join the group of 18 trekking for Sense after working as a learning support assistant at the charity’s Wakefield centre.

“It’s great to know that my own personal challenge is helping to support deafblind people overcome the challenges they face on a daily basis,” she said. “The trek was life-changing for me and I’m missing Africa and the people I trekked with already. We’re already planning a reunion – possibly up a mountain somewhere!”