Legless Spencer West Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro on his Hands

31-year-old motivational speaker Spencer West, of Toronto, Canada, lost both his legs at age five as a result of a spinal genetic disorder called sacral agenesis. Doctors told his parents that he "would never do much with his life." However, through sheer willpower he proved them wrong and did the seemingly impossible: he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro over a grueling seven-day period. Traveling on his hands for 80% of the trek, West was able to achieve his goal with his two good friends by his side. He spent an entire year training for the climb to ensure his arms were strong enough to handle the trip. In addition, his incredible achievement helped raise £300,000 for the educational charity Free the Children.

From his blog:

The moment the summit was within sight… it was incredible. We looked around – me, David and Alex – and realized that, after seven grueling days of relentless climbing, after 20,000 feet of our blood, sweat and tears (and, let’s face it, vomit) we had actually made it. We were at the top. The summit sign seemed almost like a mirage.

Then it sunk in. We made it. To the top of the mountain. The mountain that I promised to the world I would climb. The bleeding fingers and blisters were all worth it. I looked at the guys, my two buddies who dreamed up this crazy plan with me, and realized we actually finished what we started.