Double hip replacement patient conquers Kilimanjaro

A woman has climbed one of the tallest mountains in the world after undergoing double hip replacement surgery.

Amanda Haynes, from Frimley in Surrey, said climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was "without doubt" one of the hardest things she had ever done, both physically and mentally.

But the 47-year-old added that the fundraising climb was also "one of the most rewarding experiences" of her life.

"I hope my story inspires anyone who has faced major surgery, physical challenges or self-doubt to believe that their own adventures and achievements are still possible," she said.

Haynes, a veterinary nurse, completed the eight-day, 48 mile (77km) trek to the 19,341ft (5,895m) summit last week.

"Never underestimate what you might be capable of," she added.

Haynes said she had both her hips replaced in 2019, which required several years of building up her strength and confidence.

The self-described "lifelong animal lover" did the trek for charity, raising more than £8,000 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

"Knowing the difference hearing dogs make to people's lives gave my challenge an even greater purpose," she continued.

Haynes said the climb up the mountain in Tanzania took her through rocky and muddy terrain, rain, bitterly cold temperatures and relentless winds.

"Summit night was the hardest," she explained.

"The lack of oxygen made every step feel enormous, but I focused on putting one foot in front of the other and remembered the people who had donated, the charity I was supporting and everything I had overcome since surgery."

Haynes reached the summit just as the sun rose above the clouds after a seven-hour final ascent.

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