Man scales Kilimanjaro crawling on his hands

---

(Srilankamirror) – Though scaling one of the highest peaks in the world would be a struggling event for most able bodied persons, physically challenged Canadian Spencer West has made it happen.

He has scaled Africa’s highest mountain – the Kilimanjaro, using 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.

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.

After training for a year, 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.

Because of the rough terrain, Mr West had to complete 80% of the trek on his hands, only using a wheelchair when the ground 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.

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 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.

(With inputs and pics from Dailymail)