TV celebs Oti Mabuse, Rylan Clark and Emma Willis reach the top of Cairn Gorm
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TV celebs Rylan Clark, Oti Mabuse and Emma Willis will be catching up on some well deserved sleep tonight.
The trio finally reached the top of Cairn Gorm a day later after taking a buffeting on their Comic Relief trek from Braemar to one of the UK's highest peaks.
They faced 70mph winds, freezing temperatures, aches, pains, and fatigue over the past three days after starting out on Royal Deeside last Wednesday.
Reaching the summit of Cairn Gorm at 1,245 m (4,085 ft) above sea level brought an emotional close to their extraordinary journey to raise life-changing money for Red Nose Day.
The trek to the top had to be postponed yesterday as storm force winds meant that it was potentially too dangerous for the group.
TV presenter Emma said: "Seeing the summit, I just felt overjoyed, and overwhelmed and just a massive sense of relief that we had actually achieved it.
"I felt so low yesterday, and deflated, and like we’d dropped the ball and let people down.
"So today it was euphoric – it felt immense, and I couldn’t stop beaming."
She continued: "I thought I would cry when I got to the top, but I got all my tears out yesterday and I’ve just got the biggest smile on my face.
"I think it’s going to be there for weeks. The whole thing has been tough.
"It’s been mentally tough, it’s been physically tough, it’s been emotionally tough – but that’s what we’re here for."
Rylan said: "This has been the most surreal expedition. I knew it would be physically tough, but it’s been so much more than that.
"I’ve been on a real journey over the last few days, but standing on the summit in brutally cold winds, I had a massive smile on my face.
"Thinking about where the money is going makes it feel totally worth it.
“For anyone thinking of sponsoring us, it would be hugely appreciated. Even if it’s a £1, it can make such a difference.
"Massive thank you for all your support.”
Oti commented: “I kept saying to myself you will do this, you have to do this, you will get to the top no matter how long it takes. I was constantly telling myself you’re not getting off this mountain, you’re going to the peak.
"The moment I saw the summit I felt this rush of emotion, you get this new push of air.
"I felt so happy and felt a real sense of achievement.
"It leaves you feeling like you can achieve anything that you put your mind to.”
The Comic Relief website has reported on the success: "Over four punishing days and three freezing nights Emma Willis, Oti Mabuse and Rylan faced the ultimate test of willpower, determination and survival skills.
"Trekking between Braemar and Cairn Gorm in the Scottish Highlands immersed in a vast wintery landscape with few roads and little shelter.
"After dangerous weather conditions delayed their summit attempt by a day, they successfully reached the summit of Cairn Gorm Mountain.
"Saturday's final push brought a triumphant end to what has no doubt been a challenge of a lifetime that has seen Emma, Oti and Rylan encounter difficulties far beyond anything they could have ever expected."
The exclusive BBC documentary will be broadcast in the run up to Red Nose Day on BBC One and iPlayer.
The team took on the challenge to raise money for Comic Relief; and they would love your support.
For over 35 years Comic Relief has been supporting people facing the toughest times of their lives, both here in the UK and around the world, so if you can support the team, a donation of any amount can help to make a life-changing difference.
Red Nose Day returns on Friday, March 17 and donations to the challenge can be made by clicking here
