A FAMILY has scaled Africa’s highest mountain in memory of a lost loved one.

The Dickenson family - mother Nikki, sons Stephen and Mark and daughter Gemma - climbed the 19,341 feet of Mount Kilimanjaro in tribute to John, who died last April.

John Dickenson’s widow Nikki, 58, said: "It was amazing. It was a fitting tribute. We felt John’s presence with us very strongly."

The family left Durham for Tanzania on Boxing Day, began climbing on Monday, December 28, and reached the summit on Friday, January 1.

They saw the new year in en route to the summit, with African guides shouting and singing in Swahili.

Their trek allowed them stunning views of desert, before the terrain changed to boulders and later to glaciers.

Mrs Dickenson said: "The highlight, apart from reaching the summit, was watching the sun come up - seeing the sun bounce off the snow.

"It was hugely satisfying that we all reached the top. Some were in a worse condition than others, but it was a wonderful feeling."

The family’s efforts have so far raised about £7,000 for the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and Catholic Agency for Overseas Development’s (Cafod’s) South Africa Candlelight Fund.

After safariing in Tanzania and holidaying in Zanzibar, the family arrived back in the UK on Tuesday, January 12.

Mr Dickenson, who was 58 when he lost an 18-month battle with cancer, was formerly chief executive of developers The Banks Group.

To sponsor the family, visit: justigiving.com/johndickenson or justgiving.com/johndickensoncafod