A student has raised thousands of pounds by scaling the highest free standing mountain in the world.

At 19-years-old, Alice Dowek was the youngest in a team of 30 climbers to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, raising almost £5,000 for The Children’s Trust.

Bristol University student Miss Dowek said the seven day trek was the hardest thing she has ever done but she has no regrets.

Miss Dowek, of Camberley Avenue, Raynes Park, said: "It was amazing.

"The scenery was breath-taking but it was very very tough.

"It is the altitude; your body finds it tough to breathe and sitting in the tent makes you breathless."

Miss Dowek had hoped to raise £4,000 but with Gift Aid the total is nearer to £6,000, which will go to towards running costs at the Tadworth based charity.

She said the porters who carry people’s bags up the mountain helped to motivate them, and the whole group made it to the summit on Thursday, September 11.

"After the euphoria of reaching the top you trundle down again.

"I would recommend it to anyone – I don’t regret doing it," she said.

The Children’s Trust cared for her cousin, 15-year-old Hannah Stanger-France.

Miss Stanger-France had a cardiac arrest which caused her to have severe brain damage and lead to cerebral palsy.

The Children's Trust cares for young people with severe brain injuries and complex health needs.

To sponsor Miss Dowek, visit the website.