A Stevenage schoolgirl has become the first member of the public to ever scale the 306 flights of stairs in London’s highest building.

Roshni Dholakia scaled The Shard’s many steps to raise money for dementia sufferers at Lister Hospital.

The Nobel School student was inspired to take on the challenge after learning about the devastating effects the disease causes sufferers and their families.

The 12-year-old said: “The experience was amazing, although tiring. It was fun and the view was phenomenal.

“I loved the challenge to do something different like this to help people with dementia.”

In all she raised more than £250 from family and friends which she will donate to the Alzheimer’s ward at the Coreys Mill Lane hospital.

Rebecca Claydon of The Shard said: “It is a challenge to climb all those stairs and she has the comfort of knowing she was the first member of the public to do this.”