Member James Rose has become the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. The British Army veteran, who lost both his legs 10 years ago to an IED blast in Afghanistan, reached the 5,895m summit in September after a five-day climb.
“Kilimanjaro ruined me, but I made it to the top without any help,” said the 32 year old from Middlesbrough. “There were good times but there were some horrific times when I just wanted to give up. Somehow, though, I kept moving and was eventually able to conquer the highest free-standing mountain in the world!”
Exercise has played a vital role in James’ physical rehab, but he also credits it with helping him with his mental health.
“I wanted this challenge to show people who are struggling with their mental health that they can do anything they put their mind to. People sent me messages telling me to keep going because what I was doing was helping them. I’ve learned that you need a focus in your life, otherwise you can go into a downward spiral.”
Conquering Kilimanjaro was just the beginning for James. Since then, he has climbed Mount Snowdon and Scafell Pike, and now plans to summit Mount Kenya and Ben Nevis in 2020.
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