Redbourn ME sufferer conquers highest mountain in Britain

Emma Jenkins, and her husband Peter, at the top of Ben Nevis. Picture: Emma Jenkins (Image: Archant)

Emma Jenkins, and her husband Peter, climbed Ben Nevis for the ME Association on May 30 - the hottest day of the year so far in Fort William.

The couple trained for months to complete the 15 hour climb and have raised more than £1,300 for the charity.

Emma said: “The climb itself was both the toughest challenge we had ever done together, but also the most amazing challenge with the most spectacular views.

“We met some inspiring and selfless people too. It is something that I will remember, with pride, for the rest of my life.”

The 44-year-old was diagnosed with the neurological disorder in 1999 after becoming bed-bound and unable to feed herself.

She has described the experience like being imprisoned in her own room.

Emma started to recover years later, with the help of a regular dog walk, and has now been working in Redbourn’s The Hub for about six years.

The ME Association’s fund raising manager, Helen Hyland added: “I was thrilled to meet Emma and Peter shortly after their descent.

“They were tired, but clearly delighted to have reached the top despite (and for) ME. This isn’t an illness to be taken lightly – they trained and prepared hard, and took as many precautions as they could to accommodate Emma’s illness.”

She said Emma’s recovery will be significantly longer because of her illness and is pleased she is resting.

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain Emma has tackled - she has previously surmounted Snowden, Scafell Pike, and Skiddaw.

South Mimms Travel, Peter’s employers, funded the couple’s travel up to Scotland.

ME causes severe fatigue, sleep problems, muscle and joint pain, headaches and a sore throat, as well as problems thinking, remembering and concentrating, flu-like symptoms, feelings of dizziness and sickness, and heart palpitations.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emmajenkins44