Oswestry couple scale Kilimanjaro to raise over £6,000 for charity

However, one Oswestry couple went one step further recently by scaling Kilimanjaro, the world's fourth biggest mountain.

Sophie Jones and her boyfriend Josh began the challenge on September 15, flying out to Tanzania.

The climb began on September 17 after two days of preparation.

It had been a tough few months for the couple to prepare, especially for Josh who was drafted in as a late replacement.

Sophie said: "I wanted to raise month for charity, and I chose this because I wanted to raise a worthwhile amount and push myself.

"I felt so many people ask for sponsor money that if I go that bit further and do something big, people will be willing to sponsor.

"I chose Parkinson's because by step dad was diagnosed two years ago and my friend Ceri chose the Derwen, however she had to cancel a few months ago, so Josh stepped in.

"We began training in November then stepped it up to intense training three years ago.

"We did Rodney's Pillar, in the gym and Snowdon every Sunday so we were properly prepared for it."

A total of 16 people took on the climb, aided by a team of 55 others including medics and porters.

At some points the couple struggled with altitude, but Sophie admitted it was all worth it at the top.

She said: "Some days we walked for five hours, some for nine, as we had to go at a slow pace to get used to the altitude.

"We were okay until the day where we had to go to the summit.

"It was at about 15,000ft, I had headaches, so did loads of others in the group.

"My legs were weak but I did feel really sick and had nose bleeds.

"When we got to the top, it is probably the best feeling I've ever had, just the relief.

"On the last climb I struggled, but knowing how much people had donated made me want to keep going and not disappoint anyone.

"We had literally 15 minutes at the top and had to come down because of a lack of oxygen.

"Coming down was tough on your knees, and carrying your stuff after days walking was tough, but it was all worth it."

Asked if she would do it again, Sophie added: "If I had a reason to do it I would, but if not I don't think I would do it again.

"It was a once in a lifetime thing, the best thing I've ever done, and I just want to thank everyone who donated and supported us."

Thanks to support from local businesses, events and a charity night, the couple raised £6,200 to be split between the two charities.