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They kept up with the pace and steadily overtook as we climbed the valley the other side in the blistering heat and sunshine. The climb was around three miles each side.

The destination was Miki's Jungle Lodge for a night of survival in the wilderness. Though the team were almost depleted when one member almost fell from view from the narrow ledges and others fell over fallen trees.

Hidden in the depths of the jungle was a small clearing where we would try and rest our weary heads.

A night trek illuminated us with effervescent lichen, glistening spherical spider's webs and a giant spider creeping up a tree.

The return journey was just as challenging, though this time there was a steep upward jungle path, even steeper downward-stepped footpath to negotiate and a trek "on the flat", which resembled the worst of the Malvern Hills ten-fold.

There were aching limbs aplenty after that, especially as we were faced with a two-hour cramped bus ride to our next destination.

The longhouse was simply that, secreted in the largest tea plantation in Borneo was a long wooden shelter divided into rooms of three.

It was to be our base for a trek into the plantation and its surrounding vegetation.

The trek was arduous and proved that nothing is quite as simple as it may seem. The track was being prepared for an adventure mountain bike race a week later, suffice to say, a walk was enough for me.

The trek was just the start of the day, following a bite to eat there was a walk to an assault course and nearby rockpool for an afternoon dip.

The evening was an eye-opener into Sabah culture as the locals celebrated harvest festival with traditional dancing and karaoke - should not be mixed with drunk Brits!

As the sun rose the next morning a new task was waiting. But despite a plethora of hangovers the challenge of Mount Susu was a walk in the park, with all 43 trekkers reaching the summit within an hour.

The achievements of everyone, young and old were celebrated at the summit, though the dense undergrowth prevented any spectacular views.

It was on this note that the group made its way back down to the bottom where a cold shower and clean clothes were waiting.

Without a doubt this has been on of the most challenging things I have ever encountered. Harder than both treks in Iceland and Peru due to the heat, humidity, heights and terrain, I was amazed at how I could overcome the challenge.

But with such an amazing group of people dedicated to raising money for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust Three Counties Appeal the challenge was a walk in the park.

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