Aaron Anderson and the challenges he faced climbing Kilimanjaro
Aaron Anderson, a Swedish man who lost both his legs to cancer, has just scaled the summit of the tallest free standing mountain in the world – Kilimanjaro.
Not only did Aaron Anderson complete the feat unaided, he did so by crawling.
My Quick Takeaways:
In 2016, Swedish adventurer Aron Anderson, who lost both legs to cancer, achieved a remarkable feat by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Here's what you should know:
- Unique Ascent Method: Anderson began his journey using a specially designed tricycle up to Kibo Hut (4,700 metres). From there, he continued by crawling, as the terrain became too challenging for his tricycle.
- Extended Climb Duration: The ascent took nine days, longer than the typical six-day trek, due to the demanding nature of his approach.
- Overnight at High Altitude: Overcome by exhaustion, Anderson spent a night at Stella Point (5,700 metres), a practice usually discouraged due to acclimatisation concerns.
- Fundraising Efforts: The climb aimed to raise funds for a children's cancer charity in Sweden, successfully surpassing the initial goal of 500,000 Kr, with aspirations to double the amount.
Inspired to learn more about Aron's adventure? Let's make it happen!
The route took the Swede slightly longer, reaching the summit in 9 days instead of the normal 6.
The journey began for Aaron Anderson on a specially designed tricycle in which he rode to Kibo Hut before continuing up the mountain by crawling.
“He scaled the mountain on a little bicycle to Kibo Hut (4,700 metres above sea level), but from there he started crawling like a snake, utterly refusing to use his tricycle,” said Mr. Anderson’s tour guide, Mr. Honest Minja.
Aaron Anderson and his night on Kilimanjaro
Aaron Anderson, whose dream has long been to climb the world’s seven summits, decided to stop and sleep at Stella Point when exhaustion overcame him (5,700 metres above sea level).
This is usually not advised on Kilimanjaro due to acclimatization issues, however, the team gave Aaron Anderson permission and allowed him to stay there to rest the night.
“He covered himself with many special blankets and on the following day, he went on until he reached Uhuru Summit. The joy he had was extraordinary,” Mr. Minja stated.
Aaron Anderson and his Kilimanjaro fundraising efforts
After completing the incredible feat, Aaron Anderson stated that his experience was sufficient evidence that people with disabilities world wide could also do it and that disabled people should not be stigmatised.
The Swede now wishes to become an ambassador for the mountain and hopes to attempt further summits around the world.
Aaron Anderson also climbed Kilimanjaro to raise money for a children’s cancer charity in Sweden.
A website has been set up and so far, the climb has raised well over the initial 500,000 Kr that was asked for. Aaron Anderson says he is now hoping to double the initial sum to 1,000,000 Kr.
If you would like to contribute to this amazing cause, please visit the website here. Or, visit our climb Kilimanjaro for charity page.
Best of luck to Aaron Anderson in his further climbing endeavours!
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My Final Thoughts
And there you have it: An inspiring story about Kilimanjaro and overcoming challenges for a good cause. What do you think? Would you like to climb Kilimanjaro for charity? Let me know in the comments.
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