A woman successfully scaled a Himalayan peak to raise money in memory of her father and step-father.

Vicky Smith, from Epping, completed an expedition up India’s Stok Kangri peak, starting on Monday 10 July, in aid of St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood.

Her father, Richard Battersby, and step-father, Kevin Smith, were both cared for at the hospice in recent years, which inspired the 37-year-old to raise £1,500 for the charity.

Stok Kangri is the highest peak in the Stok Region of the Himalayas, in the Ladakh region of northwest India.

The ascent includes a hike up 6,153 metres of mountain, with a glacier trek to reach the final peak.

Vicky said: “This journey has definitely been the hardest but most rewarding adventure I have ever taken on.

“We crossed beautiful rivers and mountain passes, and saw the incredible expanse of the Korakoram and Zanskar mountain ranges from the top of Stok at dawn, which was a somewhat overwhelming experience.

“St Clare is an incredible organisation for people with life-limiting illnesses, and their families.

“I thought that this challenge provided a good opportunity to say thank-you, and to continue supporting them with their great work.”