A WOMAN scaled the heights to completed an epic charity challenge.

Carolyn Ling, 56, climbed 9,573 ft to reach the summit of Mount Olympus, the ‘home of the gods’ in Greek mythology, and raised more than £1,400 for the St James’ Place Charitable Foundation.

The foundation focuses on children and young people who have special needs or disabilities, or who are disadvantaged in other ways.

It also supports the hospice movement as well as cancer and mental health charities.

Carolyn’s g training for her Greek adventure – which was organised by the foundation – included gym visits and trips to Snowdon, Moel Famau in Flintshire, the Wrekin and the Sandstone Trail. in Cheshire.

Of the climb, she said: “It was quite a relentless climb. On the lower level up to about two thirds of the way up you have got this stifling heat, and at the top you’ve got snow there so you have got quite stark contrasts.”

Carolyn, a regional committee member for the foundation, had to leave the summit soon after she arrived as the weather was closing in, and it was only when she returned home two days later that her achievement sunk in.

She has completed fundraising bicycle rides for the foundation in previous years – including London to Paris and the Tour of York – and would be up for another mountain challenge next year if one were arranged.

She mainly received sponsorship from clients at her financial planning business in Whitchurch, but also from family and friends.

She said: “I was delighted (with the sum raised). I’ve got some lovely, lovely clients who are very supportive.”