FRIENDS Luke Robbins and Katie Matthews are delighted to have raised more than £1,300 for Cancer Research UK after climbing Africa’s highest mountain in aid of the charity.

The intrepid pair, from Stonehouse, recently completed a grueling 12-day hike to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro alongside 10 other fundraisers from across the globe.

Their final push to the mountain’s peak saw them battle through temperatures of minus 20 degrees centigrade for 13 hours straight in the middle of the night.

"It was quite an experience and very rewarding," said Luke, who opted to support Cancer Research UK because of the history of cancer in his and Katie’s families.

"Our target was £1,000 so were are really chuffed to have passed that."

Luke and Katie also wish to thank Maidenhill School in Stonehouse, which held a fundraising non-uniform day in support of their efforts, and Stroud Fire Station for allowing them to stage a car wash on the forecourt.