A Sidmouth woman’s determined preparations saw her reach the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167metres) in Morocco.
Tracy Allen has so far raised about £600 for Devon Freewheelers and credits her Royal Marine-style training for taking her to the top.
Initially, her plan was to accompany a group of trekkers as far as base camp, but she had a change of heart and went the whole distance.
Tracy, who works at Fields of Sidmouth, said: “My husband, Phil, was taking a group of trekkers and I agreed that I would like to join him – in part.
“However, a few weeks later, Fields had a visit from Devon Freewheelers, our chosen charity for 2013.
“It was then that I decided to go for it and try to make the summit while raising money for a well-deserving charity. What’s the worst that could happen?
“So I began my gruelling training regime. If I said that Phil is an ex-Royal Marine, you may get my drift.”
After several weeks of her husband’s stern training regime, Tracy was ready for the challenge.
Once in Morocco, the adventure started at 7am one morning when the group embarked on a two-hour drive to the starting point.
The first phase was to reach a point known as The Refuge, and Tracy said: “This was a trek of five to six hours, with clear skies and perfect weather.
“On arrival at The Refuge, we entered the 23-person room with two rows of bunks, where you simply chose a mattress to put your sleeping bag on.
“We were halfway up a mountain, so don’t think it was complimentary toiletries and fluffy white towels in the showers.
“But, surprisingly, they weren’t that bad and at least there were locks on the doors.”
The following day saw a 5.30am wake up call and they were off one hour later.
Tracy recalled: “It was a cold morning, as the sun had yet to come over the mountain tops but, believe me, you soon warmed up once you started to climb.
“The route was a rocky path, but the climb was going well and because I had thought it was going to be extremely hard and horrendous. I was actually gaining confidence and began to think ‘I might just do this’.
“After three and a half hours we all arrived at the summit, with views across the mountains and out to the Sahara desert that were breathtaking.
“I had my photo taken at the top holding the Devon Freewheelers banner, I had done it and I have the proof.
“The figure raised so far is fast approaching £600, which is more than double what I was hoping for, so thank you one and all very much.
“A massive thank you must go out to Team First Floor for my card, champagne, chocolate medal and travelling gifts and a big thank you to Keri (Lingerie) for helping me select my Bridget Jones’s.
“In all, it was a fantastic experience and Marrakesh is highly recommended.”
You can still sponsor her atwww.charitygiving.co.uk/
