AN inspiring chief executive has spoken about the toughest challenge of her life.

Colne housing association’s chief executive Sara Thakkar was part of a 15-strong group which summited North Africa’s tallest peak to help children with cancer in developing countries.

Sara, who climed to the top of Jebel Trobkal in the Atlas Mountains, said: “This was absolutely the toughest thing I have ever done but so proud to have made it.

“With the money the group raised, we calculate we have positively affected 150 children’s lives for a year, be that helping them live or supporting them to die in better circumstances.”

The team took on the four day sponsored trek in aid of World Child Cancer.

Sara added: “Reality dawned on us when the mountain guide asked which of us were carrying the ice picks and how many of us had brought our crampons - steel spikes to attach to our boots - to climb through snow.

“The trek was hard because day one was an 18k trek up to base camp, so continuous climbing and trekking over challenging terrain for a solid seven hours.

“The next day we were up at 5am to start the actual climb another seven hours of hard climbing to reach the top.

“The return journey was equally tough in a different way, clambering downhill for many hours, hips and knees straining all the way.”

The charity supports children with cancer in developing countries around the world.

Sara, who joined the Essex-based housing association in 2015, said what she had accomplished was nothing compared to what the children in the north African villages go through.

“They walk many miles a day to get the support that they need.

“Not just basic supplies and fresh water but much-needed cancer treatment for Daudi, a child dealing with that ultimate challenge above all the others he already faces.”

The Rotary Club of Colchester, which includes past board members of Colne, donated £150 to the cause after Sara was invited to talk to them about the history of the housing association.

So far Sara, 52, who lives in Braiswick, has raised nearly £4,000 for World Child Cancer.

You can still support Sara at atlas2018.everydayhero.com/uk/sara.