An insurance worker has tackled a tough trek up one of the world’s highest mountains in memory of his dad who died from cancer.

Howard Susman, a relationship manager at credit insurance company Allianz Trade, endured extreme weather conditions, altitude sickness and tricky terrain to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 34-year-old spent seven days on his arduous African adventure, taking over five days to ascend 19,341 feet, and almost two days to descend the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.

Howard said: “It was an unbelievable and life-changing experience, which exceeded all my expectations.

"Tanzania was amazing and every day brought a new challenge, but fortunately the people taking part in the trek were a great bunch and we all rallied together and supported each other.

“It was a lot tougher than I expected, especially when altitude sickness kicked in and I suffered terrible migraines and felt absolutely dreadful.

"But I remembered why I was doing the challenge, which spurred me on."

Lancashire Telegraph: He was inspired to complete his Kilimanjaro challenge in memory of his dad Lawrence ‘Lol’ Susman, who sadly died from bowel cancer in 2016, and raised more than £6,000 in his memory.

Howard's current total of £6,180 for the cancer charity would fund a Macmillan nurse for 187 hours, pay for 18 Macmillan grants, or enable Macmillan to answer 364 calls to its free telephone support line.

He continued: "We started the final ascent at midnight, and I was determined to reach the summit, even though I was feeling so ill, and some of our team turned back, but we got there just in time for sunrise, which was an amazing experience but also an extremely emotional feeling.

“Getting down was really tough too, as I had no energy left and mentally, I struggled.

"But I had a good reason to complete it and when I did the elation and sense of accomplishment was just incredible.”

Howard spent several months preparing for the trip by regularly walking through the Rossendale valley, shedding two stones in the process.

Now back on home soil, Howard has already booked his next adventure to South America to climb Cotopaxi, the second-highest summit in Ecuador, next year.

Lancashire Telegraph: He said: “I am so proud of everything I’ve achieved.

"Not only reaching the summit but also raising such a fantastic amount of money for Macmillan, so they can help other families affected by cancer.

"I thought of my dad when I got to the top, and I felt like he was present all the way, and I’m sure he would be proud of what I’ve achieved too.”