A Wandsworth student has just returned from taking part in the most gruelling challenge of her life – climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Former Putney High School pupil and Exeter University drama student Fiona Steed, 19, from Wimbledon Park Road, Southfields, recently returned from Tanzania with a team of 16 other students from across the UK after completing the 5,895 metre ascent to the summit to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF).

Ms Steed was inspired to do the five day climb for the charity after fellow Putney High School pupil, Hannah King, 16, died suddenly in 2007 from Meningitis - and wanted to do something to remember her by.

She said: “When she died it was such a huge thing and there was a huge push to do something for them (the MRF). So I signed up at university as part of RAG (Raising and Giving).

"I reached the top but it was one of the worst nights of my life. It was so dark and cold, around -20 C and I was ill all the way.

"But me and two friends really pushed each other through and thinking of Hannah helped me too.

“I have however never been more proud of myself as I sat crying with exhaustion and relief next to the sign I never thought I'd reach on the peak.”

After her successful climb, she is now applying to become an adventure leader and hopefully lead a team through the Machu Picchu trek in Peru next summer.

Chris Head, chief executive of the MRF, said: “We are so grateful to Fiona and all the students who raised money for MRF by climbing Kilimanjaro; we estimate they will have raised nearly £60,000 which is amazing.”

Ms Steed has already raised nearly £2,000 but anyone wanting to donate can visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/FionaSteed.