A FATHER and son have returned safely from climbing the world's highest free standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, raising over £8,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research in the process.
Howard and Simon Hayhurst left their hometown of Bridlington on Tuesday February 9 to take part in the epic eight-day challenge to climb Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro which stands at an incredible 5895 metres high.
The duo decided to take part in
the challenge following Howard's struggle with cancer three years ago. Howard underwent treatment and had a kidney removed but has since made a full recovery.
His son Simon Hayhurst said: "Travelling to Tanzania and climbing Kilimanjaro was a fantastic experience.
"It was made extra special being able to share it with my father, who will be 65 this month.
"Nothing can truly describe the feeling of standing on top of the world's highest free standing mountain.
"The night we reached the summit was the biggest challenge of my life so far, we climbed the remaining 1,395 metres through snow and ice, using our head torches as the only light and it took eight and a half hours to reach the summit at sunrise.
"I focused my thoughts on everyone who had supported our fund raising activities and those close to me who have lost someone to cancer".
The pair would like to thank everyone who supported their bid for summit and helped them raise over £8,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Anyone who would like to donate can still do so online at www.justgiving.com/simonhayhurst or at www.justgiving.com/Howard-Hayhurst.