No cafes on Kilimanjaro

Anne and Alan will be climbing Kilimanjaro in October to raise funds for Limb Power; Limb Power  is a National Disability Sports Organisation which aims to engage amputees and individuals with limb impairments in physical activity, sport and the arts to improve quality of life and to aid lifelong rehabilitation and to reach their sporting potential. 

Alan’s Story

Having attended many Limb Power events in support of Anne, I have seen the positive outcomes resulting from the engagement between amputees who are both new to their disability and those who have been living with it for some time.  Seeing what others can achieve and being
motivated by them is inspiring not only in sport but in everyday living. Anne and I met through our passion for exploring mountains and rivers; we knew that there was always a risk in undertaking these activities but we hoped through careful assessment we would be safe. Unfortunately Anne was hit by a rock fall in 1995 whilst scrambling in the Lake District. We celebrated out first wedding anniversary in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle 2 weeks after Anne had her leg amputated above the knee and the future looked daunting to us not knowing how our lives would be. Those of you who know Anne are always impressed by her determination and accomplishments but these have been the result of much hard work and discomfort which doesn’t go away. In 2016 I suffered leg injuries after being run over by a car, 3 years on I am still not quite recovered but I do have my legs. Whilst in hospital Anne was my advocate, and persisted in getting suitable answers from the consultants as to my prognosis as she did not want me to lose a leg especially after an infection had set in. When turning up to Limp Power events with my spatial frame on I felt a bit of a fraud but luckily there was always some empathy; ‘I had one of those on for 12 months;
then they took my leg off!’

Anne’s Story

Losing my leg in 1995 following a hillwalking accident was utterly devastating, and I particularly missed the mountains and the freedom to go where I wanted with comparative ease. Being an amputee can feel very isolating at times as few people have any concept of what it is like; Limb Power has had a positive impact on both my sporting outlook and everyday living by providing the opportunity to meet other amputees,  share experiences and take on new challenges with people in the same situation.

When I heard that Limb Power were arranging a  trip to  climb Kilimanjaro, I felt daunted by the prospect but also intrigued at the thought of attempting this with a group of amputees facing the mountain together.

The challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro as an amputee is immense and I am facing it with a mixture of excitement and terror, but I know that whether I get to the top or not it will be an amazing experience and an opportunity to support Limb Power and all the fantastic work they do.      

We are self-funding this trek so all money raised will go straight to Limb Power. We would welcome your support. Thank you.                        

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