Oundle travel boss conquers Kilimanjaro — and calls it "the hardest thing I've ever done"

A self-confessed "lie in the Maldives lady" has swapped sun loungers and cocktails for freezing summit nights and thin mountain air, reaching the top of Africa's highest peak for charity just a month before her 65th birthday.

Kay Batley, director of independent travel agency Savvi Travel, has summited Mount Kilimanjaro — the 5,895-metre "Roof of Africa" — raising £2,648 for baby loss charity Sands.

Mrs Batley, of North Northamptonshire, reached the peak at 8am on Thursday, August 13, six days after setting off on August 7. She returned home "still buzzing" from the achievement.

"I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done in my life," she said. "It was the most rewarding thing I've ever done as well."

It was a challenge she never expected to take on. Ahead of the climb she admitted Kilimanjaro "was not on my bucket list," adding: "I'm a 'lie in the Maldives' lady while my husband brings the cocktails."

The trek, completed with specialist tour operator Legend Expeditions, was not without its difficulties. Mrs Batley battled altitude-related headaches on the way up but managed to control her breathing to keep going. She was full of praise for the 32-strong team of porters who supported her group of five climbers and kept spirits high throughout. "I loved the people of Tanzania," she said.

Mrs Batley chose to raise money for Sands, a cause close to her heart following the experiences of family and close friends. "My daughter-in-law's first baby, Eli, was sadly stillborn at 26 weeks, and Sands was incredibly helpful at that time," she said. Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby and funds research to save babies' lives.

To prepare for the challenge, Mrs Batley trained in the gym for around 18 months. At the foot of the mountain she was reunited with her husband, Dave, before the couple enjoyed a three-day safari taking in Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

And she isn't hanging up her walking boots just yet — Mrs Batley plans to keep walking and already has her sights set on her next peak.

Savvi Travel operates four independent branches, including its original shop in Oakham, Rutland, alongside stores in Olney (Buckinghamshire), Oundle (Northamptonshire) and Hitchin (Hertfordshire).

Donations to Kay's fundraising page can be made at fundraising.sands.org.uk https://fundraising.sands.org.uk/fundraisers/KaysKiliclimb/kay--s-kilimanjaro