Man who lost his legs as a child scales
19,000ft-high Kilimanjaro by crawling on his
HANDS for seven days
It's a feat most able-bodied people would struggle to achieve -
scaling one of the highest peaks on the planet.
Spencer West managed it using just his hands.
The 31-year-old, from Toronto, Canada - who lost his legs when he was
just five years old - reached the summit of the 19,341ft high Mt. Kilimanjaro
on Monday after a slow, gruelling and awe-inspiring trek.
Spencer West, celebrates at the peak of Kilimanjaro on Monday, after scaling the tallest mountain in Africa on his hands
Because of the rough terrain, Mr West had to complete most of the seven-day trek on his hands,
only using a wheelchair when the ground allowed
Mr West was born with sacral agenesis, a genetic disorder that left his lower
spine poorly developed and his legs permanently crossed.
He had his legs removed below the knees at the age of three and, two-years-later,
had them amputated to below his pelvis.
Medical experts told the courageous Canadian he would never be a functioning
member of society but he has continued to defy doctors his entire life.
He trained for a year to scale the tallest peak in Africa without legs and set off
on June 12 with best friends David Johnson and Alex Meers.
The trek to the top took seven days, hiking through Tanzania's jungles,
snowfields and deserts - and Mr West was forced to make 80 per cent of the journey
on his hands, only hopping in a custom-made wheelchair when the terrain allowed.
The trio made it to the final approach on Sunday and rose the following morning
for the ascent to Uhuru Peak.
They reached the top at 11.15am after a exhausting seven hour hike.
He was supported the whole way by best friend David Johnson and Alex Meers
Mr West's hands were left bloodied and bruised after the trek, but insists the pain and
discomfort were 'worth it'
Only 50 per cent of people who attempt to scale the mountain make it to the top - and
Mr West described the moment he reached the summit as 'incredible'.
He said: 'The summit sign seemed almost like a mirage.
'We looked around and realised that, after seven grueling days of relentless climbing,
after 20,000 feet of our blood, sweat, tears and vomit we had actually made it.
'The bleeding fingers and blisters were all worth it.'
He added: 'I set out to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro not only to redefine what's possible for me,
but to inspire others to overcome obstacles and challenges of their own, and
to give back to communities, that need our help.
'Reaching the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro was the most mentally and physically
challenging thing I have ever done, but in doing so, it reinforced the powerful
message behind believing in yourself, and believing in others.
'So many people made this journey possible for me and I am so humbled
by everyone's support.'
His incredible feat has raised more than £300,000 for Free The Children,
a charity which brings sustainable to thousands of Kenyans experiencing drought.
When he was a child doctors told Mr West he would struggle to play a role in society -
something he has remained determined to prove wrong
Porters carry Spencer West's wheelchair up Kilimanjaro, so he can use it when the terrain allows
him to give his battered hands a break
Mr West slipped a pair of flip-flops on his hands to help him negotiate the rocky terrain
during his hike up the mountain, which looms in the background
The brave climber grins as he reaches the foot of Kilimanjaro - ahead of the final trek to the top
Spencer West spent a year training for the Kilimanjaro trek at his home in Toronto, Canada
He had to be sure he had enough strength in his arms to carry him up the 19,000 ft high mountain
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