FIVE SOLDIERS, injured on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have successfully scaled the highest free standing mountain in the world.

The soldiers were among a group of 18 volunteers led by Bryn and Emma Parry, the founders of Help For Heroes, who took seven days to successfully climb the 5895m to the summit.

Each of the injured soldiers faced their own personal challenge and disability, but were united in their determination to conquer the mountain.

Craig Lundberg, who was blinded in Iraq when he was hit by two RPG's, was led by Andrew Larkey an ex-Para. Working as a team Andrew talked Craig through the route, telling him where to put his feet and hands, while at the same time describing the surroundings to Craig.

"Everyone has been describing the plants, rocks and views to me, so I've been able to create my own view of what the mountain looks like," said Craig.

"I've also been stopping to feel my different surroundings."

Cpl Tony Burbidge, 4 RIFLES, who was shot in the arm in Iraq in 2007 has been giving his old friend LCpl Jon 'Frenchie' Le Galloudec, 4 RIFLES, a hand with that injured arm. Jon was shot in the spine in Iraq in 2007 by and insurgent sniper. He was told he would never walk again.

Tony said: "I knew this was something that Frenchie really wanted to do, and I was going to help him get to the summit no matter what, it was all the motivation I needed."

Also on the challenge was The Sun's Page Three Girl Peta Todd: "I've been an ambassador for Help For Heroes for a number of years. Last year I did the Battle Field Bike Ride, so this year it seemed to make sense to raise the bar, and take on an even bigger challenge."

By day six of the trek, the mountain had thrown everything it had at the challengers from snow, sleet, and torrential rain, to flash floods and biting winds. They also had to contend with altitude sickness, mainly consisted of headaches, a loss of appetite and a feeling of sickness once they had gone above 3500m. Their objective was to reach the rim of the crater to Uhuru, the actual summit, at 5895m.

The oxygen content of the air there is a third of that at sea level, and every little action takes great effort.  The conditions were server, with temperatures below -12 degrees, and with an icy cloud covering the summit.

For amputee's Stuart Trow and John Sandford-Hart it was the descent that was particularly challenging due to the continual impact on their injured legs.

This challenge was no mean feat, Bryn Parry said: "This was the hardest thing I have ever done, it was truly exhausting."

Jon Le Galloudec said: "I thought re-learning to walk was hard, but that was nothing compared to this."

The challengers hope to have raised over £100,000 for Help For Heroes.