She did it! Great-gran(90) conquers Highland mountain in 2398ft stair challenge to raise funds for charities

A 90-year-old Highland woman has 'reached' the summit of one of Scotland's best known mountains – 2398ft high Suilven.

Margaret Payne made the 282nd and final climb of the stairs at her home – the equivalent height of the mountain – as she completed a fundraising challenge.

Mrs Payne, a great-grandmother of Sutherland, has so far raised £421,583 for NHS Charities Together, NHS Highland, RNLI and Highland Hospice.

Her initial target when she began the challenge in April was to raise £10,000 but her endeavours have captured the hearts of people far and wide and she has also been praised in the Scottish Parliament as well as receiving a letter of congratulations from Prince Charles.

The hospice announced her achievement today via social media commenting: "What an amazing lady! What an amazing feat!"

Mrs Payne first reached the summit of Suilven in 1944 at the age of 15, with her elder sister Elizabeth, two friends and dog Snowy, after being evacuated to Lochinver during World War II.

People can still donate at Virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretPayneArdvar-SuilvenChallenge

Related story: Messages of support flood in for inspirational Margaret

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