health
I Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro on My Hands
I have no legs, so the thought of tackling the nearly 6,000-metre peak seemed crazy. But after reflection, and hard physical training, I decided to give it a go.
TL;DR
- Born with sacral agenesis, resulting in leg amputation at age five.
- Learned to navigate by walking on hands and using a wheelchair/skateboard.
- Found passion in international development through a volunteer trip to Kenya.
- Undertook a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2012 to raise funds for clean water in East Africa.
- Faced significant challenges with terrain, using hands for most of the climb and adapting with a wheelchair carried by porters.
- Reached the summit of Kilimanjaro, a 5,895m (19,341ft) peak, after a difficult ascent.
- The climb led to increased speaking engagements and professional growth.
- Now creates online content about being gay and disabled and has written a book, 'Breaking Free'.