Mum conquers Africa's highest mountain in aid of The Fertility Foundation

Barbara McMillan, who lives in Boothstown, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in a six-day challenge.

She gave birth to her son Frankie in 2016 after enduring five years of infertility issues and having three surgeries.

Barbara set up a fundraising appeal last year in aid of The Fertility Foundation, and has completed a number of physical challenges building up to her mountain climb.

Barbara, 36, said: The cause is very important. I never thought I would have my own child after five years of struggling.

"Not many people talk about fertility issues but it is quite common.

"I really wanted to give something back to say thank you to a charity that has helped people like me"

Barbara began the challenge with 10 other climbers and 61 support staff. They set off on October 12 before making it to the summit five days later and starting their descent the day after.

Five of the climbers made it to the top including Barbara.

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Barbara said: "It was much harder than I expected.

"The weather made things much harder - there was torrential rain every day and we could not dry our clothes.

"The support staff said they had never seen weather like it before.

The snow was up to my knees in places.

"When we got to the top there was thunder and lightning with nowhere to hide which was quite scary.

"It was absolutely amazing to get to the top

"We had been through so much day after day with people getting ill through altitude sickness.

"Obviously you think that something will happen to you.

"Getting there was extremely rewarding - it was unbelievable and I was so emotional.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported me for the charity, they have all been so generous."

Barbara's appeal raised more than £5,000. To donate to it click here.