Catherine’s “ultimate test” – climbing Kilimanjaro

A 20-year-old university student from Lymm is back home after taking on her “ultimate test” – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Catherine Tunney says she still finds it hard to believe she climbed the world’s highest freestanding mountain at 5895m high.
She climbed the mountain to raise money for the charity Childreach International and, together with other members of the group she was with, raised a staggering £57,899
Catherine is her final year as a physiotherapy student at Sheffield Hallam University.
She saw the opportunity of climbing “Kili” in Tanzania advertised by her student union and decided to sign up for what she says had been the biggest challenge of her life so far.
She said: “Childreach International is a charity that supports the healthcare, education and safeguarding of children across the world.
“Less than one per cent of schools in Tanzania are equipped to teach disabled children and I had the pleasure of visiting a project that provides vocational training to deaf young people.
“It facilitates self-employment alongside improving their health, emotional wellbeing and knowledge of how to remain healthy. It was clear to see how happy the trainees were and instead of being worried about their future they were becoming independent with skills in carpentry, farming and tailoring.
“The climb itself I would describe as an emotional rollercoaster and an ultimate test of my physical endurance!
“However, with the assistance of a brilliant group of porters and guides spirits remained high; they really couldn’t do enough for you. It was a surreal experience that I still find hard to believe I accomplished.”
Catherine said she would like to thank everyone who supported her fundraising.