SHE may be terrified of heights, but one Southampton mother has raised more than £10,000 climbing one of Europe's tallest mountains.

Shadi Ganjavian-Connor took on France's mighty Mont Blanc in the name of charity.

The 41-year-old wanted to raise vital funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which helps young people with the disease.

"Having lost several friends to cancer, I thought about someone losing their child," she said.

"As a parent, I couldn't imagine what it would feel like.

"The money will help the Trust (based at Southampton General Hospital) to continue supporting children in need."

In the past, Shadi has climbed many mountains in the Sinai dessert however, she had never attempted snowy conditions nor -27°C temperatures.

"It was a challenge," she added.

"The weather was so bad our guide said we may not be able to reach the summit. But we were determined to do so.

"When we made it to the top it was such an amazing feeling, especially thinking of what the money could do for the charity."

The cheque was presented at The White Horse in Otterbourne. The trust is not funded by the NHS and relies on donations to continue its work.

Amanda Hetherington, the trust's regional fundraiser, said: “Shadi has trained and fundraised tirelessly over the past few months, and has really put her all into raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

"Not only did she conquer the epic Mont Blanc, but she also raised an incredible amount of money, which will make a huge difference to supporting young people with cancer in Southampton and the surrounding areas.”

Shadi said that another she will undertake another climb next year – most probably the Matterhorn in Italy – however, a neither a date or charity has yet been decided.