A RECORD-BREAKING fundraiser who used to struggle up Colchester’s North Hill made it all the way to Mount Everest’s base camp in memory of her sister.

Charlotte Wilkin, 27, became the biggest single fundraiser in the history of the critical care unit at Colchester General Hospital when she raised £7,560.

She took part in the challenge after sister Liz, 24, died from pancreatitis last year.

Exactly one year on, she visited the unit where her sister spent 30 days to thank the nurses and hospital for all their kindness, care and exceptional support and to present them with the cheque.

She said: “It was about 19,800ft to base camp.

“I started training in January and was in awe when I saw the Himalayas for the first time.

“When my sister was here, I decided I wanted to do something for the unit.”

When their mum announced to the nurses what she was going to do, there was no turning back.

Charlotte said: “At the bottom it was really warm and you walk through forests for three days.

“It took ten or 11 days and you could see the peak from the camp.

“I think Liz would have been proud and she would have done the same for me.

“But I am super competitive and wanted to do it and be the biggest single fundraiser.

“The people here don’t just care for the patients, but the families as well and I want to thank everyone who donated.”

Ward sister Karen Baxter revealed the money will be spent on special hi-tech training equipment for the unit which could help save lives in the future.

She said: “We are so grateful. It was a deeply distressing time for Liz and her family and Liz sadly did not make it, but it is touching to know Charlotte wanted to do this for us.”