Twenty-four employees from Bury St Edmunds brewer Greene King, including three from the town, hope to have raised £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support after returning from taking on Africa’s highest mountain.

The seven-day trek to tackle the 5,895 metre climb of Mount Kilimanjaro had them swapping the flat lands of Suffolk for camping out under the stars.

The group spent hours training and had to battle the effects of high altitude and rough terrain.

Hospitality trainer Sarah Talbot said: “It has been amazing to see time and again on this trip what people can overcome. If our trek can do anything to lessen or overcome the challenges faced by those with cancer, then every moment, every pain, every torturous step was worth it. I am honoured to have been a part of something so wonderful, and count myself lucky to have been able to do it with so many amazing people.”

Three team members from Greene King’s head office in Bury, Julie English, Matthew Plested and Cheryl Bullen all successfully reach the summit.

Proving that life with cancer is still life, Julie was more determined than ever to take on the epic feat, having received direct support from Macmillan while undergoing treatment for breast cancer last year. Both Matthew and Cheryl felt compelled to take on this challenge after losing loved ones to cancer and witnessing the important work of Macmillan professionals first hand.

The team set off on their challenge on October 5 returning on October 15, aiming to raise a staggering £100,000 for Macmillan.

Macmillan offers financial and emotional support to families living with cancer.

Rooney Anand, chief executive officer at Greene King, said: “We are incredibly proud of our 24 team members who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Macmillan.

“This was part of our corporate fundraising campaign, Miles for Macmillan, and was certainly the most difficult challenge we have set to date. The team once again showed how dedicated our employees are to raise funds for such a meaningful cause. Congratulations to them all.”

Rachel Gascoigne, partnership manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “Here at Macmillan we are so grateful for all the support we’ve received from Greene King colleagues. We want to say thank you to the team for taking on this amazing challenge to raise money for us, which will help us provide vital support for the growing number of people living with cancer.”

Since partnering with Macmillan in 2012, Greene King colleagues and customers have raised £3.5 million for the charity.