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A determined young fundraiser from West Felton has completed an extraordinary challenge in memory of her late mother, conquering Mount Kilimanjaro before taking to the skies over Zanzibar to raise vital funds for three charities.

Sophie Bayliss, 26, set out to climb Africa's highest mountain with an ambitious £3,000 fundraising target, supporting three charities close to her heart, including Shropshire Rural Support (SRS).

The challenge was particularly meaningful for Sophie, whose late mother was deeply involved in the local farming community and had a strong connection with SRS.

"There are so many charities that deserve support, but for me it's important to fundraise for local charities that make a difference to my communities, friends and family," Sophie said before setting off. "This one's for you, Mum."

Conquering Kilimanjaro

Sophie tackled the seven-day Machame Route, covering approximately 64 kilometres and climbing almost 5,000 metres in total before reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres above sea level.

The trek took her from the lush rainforest at Machame Gate, through moorland and the dramatic Shira Plateau, before tackling the Barranco Wall and making the final ascent towards the summit.

The statistics alone tell the scale of the challenge: 64km walked, 4,965m of total elevation gain, 5,125m of descent and a highest point of 5,895m.

But it was summit night that provided the greatest test.

"Without a doubt, scaling Kilimanjaro was the hardest thing I have ever done," Sophie reflected afterwards. "Summit night was a total killer – mostly down to severe sleep deprivation and pure exhaustion, made so much harder by the thin air at high altitude."

There were moments in the freezing darkness when she genuinely doubted whether she would make it, but determination ultimately carried her to the Roof of Africa.

"Despite everything, reaching the summit was an unbelievable achievement. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

One Last Leap

With the mountain conquered and her fundraising target in sight, Sophie decided that the adventure wasn't quite over.

Travelling on to Zanzibar, she took another huge leap (literally) by skydiving over the island.

Skydiving had special significance too, as it was something her mum had always said she wanted to do. Sophie saw it as both a tribute and an opportunity to push herself beyond another comfort zone.

"I felt surprisingly confident going into it... right up until I sat in the aircraft climbing higher and higher over Zanzibar, and the nerves suddenly hit hard!"

The initial jump was, in her words, pure terror, but that quickly transformed into exhilaration. Once the parachute opened, Sophie described an incredible sense of calm as she glided silently above the coast.

It gave her a chance to reflect on the mountain, the journey and the reason behind it all: honouring her mum and supporting three causes that mean so much to her and her community.

Climbing for the Countryside

Sophie chose to fundraise for local charities because of the difference they make to rural communities, friends and family. SRS was particularly close to her mother's heart, with her mum having regularly highlighted the organisation's vital work supporting people across the farming community.

Before the challenge, Sophie described her mother as "the heart of our family and a true pillar of our community", as well as the driving force behind the popular Shropshire Farmers, Smallholders and Contractors Facebook group, which has grown to more than 30,000 members.

Her message throughout the challenge was simple:

"I am doing it for the rural communities and the farmers that keep this country running. I am 'Climbing for the Countryside!'"

From months of training and preparation, through freezing summit nights and a spectacular skydive over Zanzibar, Sophie has turned a deeply personal challenge into an incredible fundraising journey.

Most importantly, she has honoured her mum while raising awareness and funds for charities supporting the rural communities she cared so deeply about.

Everyone at Shropshire Rural Support would like to congratulate Sophie on this incredible achievement and thank her for her determination, generosity and commitment to supporting SRS. We are immensely proud to have been part of her journey and hope she enjoys every moment of this well-earned achievement.

Well done, Sophie – you did it! 🏔️❤️