New Year's Day 2014 marked the tenth anniversary of my beautiful sister Linda's passing after suffering an epileptic seizure. Linnie had no previous history of epilepsy.

The Epilepsy Society carries out vital research which helps to contribute to the understanding and treatment of the condition, work which can and will save lives.

My challenge is to ascend Mulhacen in the Sierra Nevada of southern Spain - the highest peak on the Iberian peninsula. At 3479 metres it is almost three times as high as the highest peak in the British Isles, Ben Nevis.

Those of you who know me will be aware that the last thing I climbed was probably the climbing frame at Eversden rec when I was 7, so I have my work cut out for me. 

*** The climb went well, and I've been overwhelmed by the donations - thanks a million to everyone who has donated. 

The day itself brought us both an early start and a cloudless Andalucian sky which even had a sun-lover like me reaching for the Factor 30 early doors. We went up through rocky terrain, past glaciers and snow, and at points some light gale-force winds. At the summit, along with a great sense of achievement and some amazing views which we took in before heading down a precipitous descent that took us to a gentler descent along a stream feeding out of one of the lakes of meltwater. After some 10 hours of hard slog we were back at the car and headed for a well-deserved beer. The next day brought some pretty fierce aches, and black toes which I still have weeks afterwards! 

All in all, it was an amazing day, yet one which was challenging. Whether it was the altitude or my 38 years taking their toll, there were some times when it was really hard to keep going. The fantastic support I received helped to push me on, so many thanks for helping me conquer this challenge, and in doing so help a very worthy cause.