Man without legs to climb Mt Kilimanjaro

Spencer West, who at the age of five lost his legs, will mark this summer by a challenging climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro with the goal of raising money for international charity Free The Children.

West, along with two friends, will begin the eight-day trek on June 12, hoping to raise $750,000 for Free The Children and bring sustainable clean water programming to thousands of Kenyans who last year experienced the region's worst drought in 60 years.

West is encouraging supporters to help him reach his goal by each donating $10, sponsoring one step in Spencer's almost 20,000 foot journey up the tallest mountain in Africa.

Every year, 20,000 to 35,000 people attempt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, and only approximately 50 percent reach its peak.

“I will undertake the climb in my wheelchair, on my hands and with the help of my friends”, he said.

West added that "That's why, with my new Redefine Possible mission, I'm using my story and challenges to inspire others to overcome obstacles and get involved in whatever they are passionate about.

Who’s Spencer West

Despite losing his legs at the age of five, the inspirational and charismatic Spencer West hasn't let anything stand in his way.

Spencer has traveled the world sharing his humour, humility and message of triumph with millions of people.

In 2008, Spencer traveled to Kenya on an international volunteer trip with Me to We and helped build a school in a rural and impoverished community in the Masai Mara region of Kenya.

He credits this experience for helping him recognize his true calling - to motivate and inspire people around the world.