I flew my Sunderland flag at the top of Kilimanjaro and there's no greater feeling

Sunderland-born Paul is well known for his fighting days, but in recent years, after moving to Texas, he’s taken on battles of a different kind - taking on some of the world’s toughest races and challenges.

His latest feat saw him scale Africa’s highest mountain, alongside Nicki Holborn, who lives with Paul in Texas, friend DJ, who lives in Memphis, Gemma Clark from Redcar and Andrew Keelin from Washington.

“Standing on top of Africa, we could see every star in the sky. It was -11 degrees, our water froze, but we were all so elated to have made it,” he said. “I'm sure we all shed a tear behind our balaclavas, I know I did.”

Despite a strong start, Paul said the seven day climb soon got tougher.

He said: “The first two days were physically not too challenging, and with excitement and adrenaline we were having fun.

“The temperature was warm and the climb not so tough. There was beautiful green scenery with monkeys and lots of bright coloured birds. We played music, and chatted with our guides who really made for the perfect climb.”

Days three and four made for tougher conditions as the team battled the elements and the change in altitude was felt.

Then came summit day as the team set off in the pitch black, the wind howling around them.

“We all responded different to the obstacles in front of us,” said Paul. “And I suffered huge on the summit attempt with AMS (acute mountain sickness).

“For 6 hours I could not breath easily. My mouth was wide open gasping for air, wondering if I'd make it to the top or not.

“At this point, all my marathon training didn't make a difference. The air was too thin and I hadn't taken any Diamox, (altitude medicine).”

But they made it - and Paul said there was no greater feeling as he unfurled his beloved Sunderland flag which he flies at all his challenges.

“I got the flag out and we got our picture at 5,895 meters. 19,341 feet,” said Paul. “Standing on the tallest free standing mountain in the world. The top of Africa. Nothing beats this.

“The SAFC flag has now made it to all 7 continents, the North Pole and 1 of the 7 highest summits in the world, all inside 12 months.

“We descended back down to a lower camp, got a good night’s sleep and made it back to our hotel. We went out onto the local town 'Arusha' and met the locals and witnessed life in Tanzania - it blew us all away. They are the friendliest people we have ever met.”

Paul added: “I’ll continue carrying the flag around the world, advertising our amazing city. Next up - Arctic Sweden in February. It’s a 293 mile self-supported race and I’ll be carrying everything I need for ten days on my sled.”