A BRAVE 10-year-old boy from Yorkshire is about to embark on his very own ‘Everest’ to raise money for children with disabilities.
Quadruple amputee Luke Mortimer, who lost his arms and legs after contracting meningitis, will attempt to reach the 656ft peak of Embsay Crag in North Yorkshire tomorrow, determined to ‘return the favour’ to the charities that have helped him and his family.
Three years ago, Luke contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. The brace of bacterial infections can often be fatal and, although the youngster survived, surgeons were forced to remove his limbs. He had to endure 23 operations in under three months.
In order to meet Luke’s care needs, his family moved to a bungalow in the village of Embsay near Skipton which had been modified and transformed for them by the tradespeople charity Band of Builders in 2019.
From the bungalow’s garden, Lucas was able to see the popular Embsay Crag – a view which became an inspiration for the gutsy youngster.
Tomorrow, in aid of LimbPower and BBC Children in Need, Lucas will be attempting that climb.
“I thought it would be nice to return the favour to Children in Need, which helped me, and LimbPower,” Luke told The Yorkshire Post.
“When we moved here, we were going down the road and I just saw the crag, and I said, ‘Mum, dad, one day can we climb it?’
“It’s been a few years now, but I feel very determined about getting to the top and back down. I think the worst thing that can happen is probably rain. I’m feeling pretty confident about it. And anybody can join!”
Luke’s dad – Adam Mortimer – explained the hike was a challenging one, given the inclines of the steep routes to the summit.
“For Luke, this is a huge thing. It’s above a normal walk for even me, so for Luke, it’s quite a tough challenge. It is kind of his Everest,” said the 49-year-old.
“If you just did it purely on his stride, it’s half of anybody else’s. So it’s almost like if I’m walking a mile, he’s walking two.”
Luke has insisted on reaching the peak unaided, wearing knee-length prosthetics known as ‘stubbies’.
His huge challenge starts at 10am at Embsay Reservoir. To donate, go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/adam-mortimer-4.
Main photo: Roofing Today
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