A COURAGEOUS climber has scaled one of the world's most formidable summits for an important charity in the borough.

Lauren Juggler climbed 19,000 feet to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania for Vi and John Reubens House in Clarence Avenue, Gants Hill, on New Year's Eve.

The care home is very close to Lauren's heart as three of her grandparents were residents there.

She has already smashed her £2,000 fundraising target and is well on her way to reaching a fantastic £4,000.

Lauren, 34, from Muswell Hill, said: “Vi and John Rubens House was a big part of my life for many years as I regularly visited my three grandparents, Bessie Roberts and Sam and Debby Juggler, who lived there.

“They were extremely well looked after by the many wonderful nurses and carers and they were all very happy living there.

“My two nannas passed away on the same day in April last year, so it seemed fitting that I closed 2009 by giving back to the place that made my grandparents last few years as comfortable as possible.”

After a career in banking Lauren spent some time volunteering in Africa and will soon be in Rwanda following her successful climb.

To donate to Lauren's appeal in aid of Vi and John Reuben House, visit www.justgiving.com/laurenjuggler.