Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro's 19,300 feet is tough enough for
most people. But Spencer West just spent seven days climbing to the
top on his hands, reports ABC NEWS West, who lost both his
legs when he was 5 years old, estimates he did 80% of the climb on
his own, taking about 20,000 "steps" to make it to the top.
(He used a wheelchair on easier terrain, and was carried over
the few patches that were too tough, notes the Toronto Stars.)
"It's literally climbing the largest mountain on Africa on your
hands," he said. "I don't know if it can get much more challenging
than that."
Born with a genetic
disorder called sacral agenesis, doctors amputated West's
legs below the pelvis when he was 5, but he credits his parents
with treating him normally and giving him the confidence to tackle
any obstacle.
West spent a year training
for the climb, made to raise $750,000 for Free the Children's
clean water program in Kenya (he's raised $500,000 so far).
"We all have the ability to
redefine what is possible—whether you're missing your legs or not,"
said West. "Everyone has challenges and challenges can be
overcome."