My husband Phil and I signed up to this trek knowing that it would be quite different to our usual events. We’ve done many bake sales, quizzes and bag packs but this was a physical challenge.

We were really inspired by this event as it seemed particularly special and poignant being able to watch the sunrise at the end.

Our fundraising goes towards our Daisy Chain Tribute Fund. A special Acorns fund in memory of our son Ben, who was cared for at the hospice in Birmingham. We knew he would be proud of us. Well, he’d probably be laughing at me struggling up the mountain!

Leading up to the challenge, I was aware that I needed to do some training. I phoned Kirsty from the Acorns Events team who told me that as long as I could do the distance, I’d be fine.

So, Phil and I went out for longer walks together and built up the distance slowly, using an app to plan our route. I definitely felt my fitness improve.

On the day of the trek, there were some nerves, but I had the other trekkers, Phil, and of course Ben in my mind to keep me going.

There were times where I had to dig deep because it became quite challenging. But I wanted to do it for myself and all of the people who had sponsored us.

I thought about Ben and how he had gone through so much in his life. If he could go through that, I could do this.

He got me through those last few steps.

There was something very special about watching the sunrise from up there. It felt like we were on top of the world. It was beautiful. All you could see were clouds and, in a way, I felt really close to Ben in that moment.