A Surrey veterinary nurse has conquered Mount Kilimanjaro seven years after having both hips replaced, raising more than £8,000 for charity.

Amanda Haynes, 47, completed the eight-day, 48-mile trek to the mountain's 5,895-metre summit in Tanzania after double hip replacement surgery in 2019.

The achievement marked a milestone for Amanda, who had to rebuild her strength and confidence following surgery before taking on her biggest challenge.

“I wanted to prove that having two replacement hips didn’t mean I had to stop setting ambitious goals,” said the Frimley resident.

“Reaching the summit was a celebration of how far I had come, both physically and mentally, since my surgery.”

Ms Haynes, a veterinary nurse for more than 28 years, is clinic manager at the London Veterinary Clinic.

She chose to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People because of her connection to the charity through veterinary surgeon and author Dr Bruce Fogle, with whom she works.

Dr Fogle co-founded the charity, while his son, adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle, is a patron.

“As a veterinary nurse and lifelong animal lover, I have always understood the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. But what Hearing Dogs achieves goes far beyond companionship,” Ms Haynes said.

“These remarkable dogs are trained to alert their deaf partners to important everyday sounds, such as smoke and fire alarms, doorbells, alarm clocks and even a baby crying.

“Just as importantly, they provide confidence, companionship, reassurance and a sense of security.

“I was determined that if I took on something as huge as climbing Kilimanjaro, I wanted to do it for a cause that truly mattered to me.”

The trek tested her endurance as she battled rocky and muddy terrain, rain, freezing temperatures and relentless winds.

As the group climbed higher, the thinning air made simple movements increasingly difficult.

“Summit night was the hardest,” she said.

“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.”

After a seven-hour final ascent, Ms Haynes reached the summit as the sun rose above the clouds.

“After everything I had been through with my hips, and after eight days of pushing myself harder than I imagined possible, I had climbed Kilimanjaro,” she said.

“Knowing the challenge raised over £8,000 for Hearing Dogs made the experience even more special.”

Ms Haynes thanked everyone who donated or sent messages of encouragement.

Now home, she hopes her achievement will inspire others who have faced major surgery or physical challenges to pursue their ambitions.

“Climbing Kilimanjaro was, without doubt, one of the hardest things I have ever done, both physically and mentally, but also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she said.

“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.

“Never underestimate what you might be capable of.”