Jean's heroic climb

JEAN Holmwood of Uckfield is no stranger to pain-ful experiences.

She has battled against a bad back, a permanently trapped sciatic nerve, polycystic ovarian syndrome and a terrible fear of heights to walk to the top of Mount Snowdon.

In achieving the feat on Monday, April 15, Jean raised approximately 1,000 for the Llanberis and Ogwen Valley Mountain rescue teams.

Jean, of Linden Chase, is the secretary of the Sussex Photographic Federation, and chairman/programme secretary of the Uckfield Photographic Society.

She attempted to climb Mount Snowdon six years ago but because of her fear of heights failed to make it to the top.

A chance comment to fellow photographer Ken Scott, a regular mountaineer, resulted in him offering to get her there.

She said: 'Ken originally suggested I go the easy way via the railway track, but I was determined to go up the more challenging way via the Pyg Track and down again.

'I have suffered with a terrible fear of heights for many years. I even have to take medication every time I cross the Dartford and Severn Bridges.'

Jean put it all behind her and worked on getting fit for the walk and was delighted when she got to the top of the six-hour climb.

She said: 'The walk went well. In some points it actually involved climbing but I was mostly OK.

'It was absolutely exhilarating when I got to the top. It was cold, clear and very beautiful.

'I was worried, but the people I was climbing with were very good to me and walked between me and the drop.'

She added: 'I am so happy I have done it, but I'm not sure I'll be doing any more mountain climbs. My friends have asked whether it's Ben Nevis next, but I don't think so!'