GRANNIE Cora O'Mahony is on top of the world after making it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The 60-year-old, of Worcester Street, Stourport, has spoken of her emotions as she watched the sun rise after reaching Africa's highest peak - and of how she very nearly quit the challenge near the top.

"As I saw the sun come up I had a few tears," said Cora, who braved the gruelling, 19,340ft climb with her 18-year-old nephew, Liam Jessup, from Worcester.

"It was the toughest thing physically that I've ever done in my life.

"At one point I thought I wasn't going to make it.

"And, during the two day trek coming down it was very tough - the pain in my knees and thighs was excruciating."

Ten out of the party of 12 taking on the mountain suffered with altitude sickness, including Liam.

But Cora escaped the sickness and Liam managed to conquer it so that he too made it to the top.

She said the time she almost quit was on the hairy last phase of the climb, which was in pitch dark with only head torches to guide them.

"You have to go in single file and set off at midnight for a seven hour trek to reach the highest peak at dawn.

"I was so tired an hour and a half from the top that I almost stopped - but the guides urged me on and I'm glad I made it.

"It was so emotional when the sun came up."

Cora, a care support worker for Care 24, run by Wyre Forest Community Housing, has so far raised £500 through her adventure for Kemp Hospice at Kidderminster, where she used to be office manager.

Anyone still wishing to donate can do so at www.justgiving.com/Cora-O-Mahony1