A heroic fundraiser from Petersfield is feeling top of the world after battling blizzards and blindness to conquer Africa’s highest mountain in honour of her mum.

Anna Hardwick overcame adversity and the elements to scale Kilimanjaro in show of support for her mother and hero, Theresa, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in July 2019.

The 25-year-old was making her second attempt in aid of Brain Tumour Research as she struggled to breathe on her first five years ago and needed rescuing.

But despite enduring 60mph winds, blistering conditions, -14 temperatures and altitude-related deteriorating eyesight, she made the top – and called her mum from 5,895 metres up.

“I was getting to the top of that mountain,” said Anna, citing her mother’s determination after her diagnosis as inspiration.

“By the time I reached the top it was almost impossible to see anything, only shapes, but I didn’t want to say anything to my guide.

“It was absolutely terrifying and I couldn’t see my mum’s name on my phone when I called her to say that I’d done it.

“But after everything my mum had to deal with, nothing was going to stop me.”

Theresa’s egg-sized tumour was dormant for 30 years and was only detected after she became violently sick with food poisoning before suffering a 90-minute seizure.

But she is now feeling liberated as she’s had her driving licence returned and is making great progress five years on from her operation.

She said: “When Anna said she was going to climb Kilimanjaro for BTR we were apprehensive at first, but knew her determination and strength would get her to fulfil her dream. 

“We are incredibly proud of her achievement; such a brave, super young lady that we are proud to call our daughter.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/page/annasdoingkiliagain