A MOTHER and daughter team who trekked for five days in the mountains of Romania in aid of two charities returned home tired but elated with their success.

Karen Beaver and daughter Kristy Johnson used every ounce of their stamina and ability to trek up steep, rocky crags and through gorges and forests, led by guides.

“It was extremely hard, we trekked for four days straight, conquering four different mountains in the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania,” said Kristy.

Before the pair set out, they had raised £2,500 in sponsorship for SURE (Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment) at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital and the Giraffe Project Children’s Charity, which helps children in the slums of Kenya to get an education.

The first day was the easiest, an introductory day for guides to assess their abilities and fitness, and their highest peak was 1247 metres.

Day two saw the pair trek for ten hours up steep, rocky mountain sides, with the highest peak 2181 metres, and a lot of it was steep forests, zigzagging across meadows and navigating craggy rocks.

The third day was the toughest, Kristy said, with steep ascents through picturesque gorges and forests and meadows full of beautiful wildflowers. They then trekked higher and further, and at one point scrambled up loose rocks with a sheer drop behind, and also scaled a vertical mountain face without harnesses.

“It was extremely scary as I have a fear of heights, so it was hugely out of my comfort zone,” said Kristy.

“Every member of our group cheered each other on and supported each other incredibly throughout the week, and our guides were hugely competent and professional, while keeping us feeling safe.”

There was another long day with almost 12 hours of trekking before the final day which included a visit to Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stocker’s Dracula castle.

“The spur to complete this challenge was knowing how much money we have raised for two fantastic charities,” said Kristy.

The trip was sponsored in full by Beaver Garages, so all money raised goes straight to the two charities. If anyone would like any more information or to still donate, visit Karen’s Charity Adventures page on Facebook.