A FUNERAL director from Calne, who has raised thousands for the British Heart Foundation by conquering Africa's highest mountain, has spoken of her "punishing" experience.

Odette Carter, 47, of Baydon Grove, who has raised more than £5,000 for the charity, suffered headaches and flu-like symptoms during her seven day trek up the 19,000ft high mountain at the end of September.

"It was punishing at the end," Ms Carter said. "I was okay all week and I didn't have a problem but when they woke us up at 11 o'clock on Friday night, we knew it was going to be brutal. My legs did not want to know and three and a half later, my legs still did not want to know! We just had to take our minds elsewhere.

"When we got to the top we saw the sun rise over Africa and when the sun hit the glaciers it was incredible. It was an amazing experience and I was talking to a friend earlier and I said I did not know how I was going to top that!"

Ms Carter, who said her experience in Africa was unbelievable, also enjoyed a presentation evening and a safari after her descent.

"Africa was never on my list of places to go and it was incredible when we were there and the culture was completely fantastic," she explained. "I went on the safari because the opportunity arose and I didn't know if I would ever visit again and I am so glad I went.

"I would like to go back to Africa again but I definitely won't climb Kilimanjaro again! I bought my partner a t-shirt which says if you can't climb Kilimanjaro, drink it and a Kilimanjaro beer, which is still in the fridge!"

The 47-year-old who now has the fundraising bug, also thanked local opticians Haine & Smith for their generous donation of a pair of polarising sunglasses which kept her comfortable during the trek.

She said: "A huge thank you to Haine and Smith for the sun glasses which were absolutely brilliant. We did experience a lot of sun shine and I did not know what I would do without them."

To donate to Odette Carter's fundraiser, which closes on October 24, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Odette-Carter4.