Brave kid who lost all his limbs 'on top of world' after climbing 656ft mountain

05 November 2023 , 16:32

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Luke Mortimer, 10, at the peak of Embsay Crag, North York on Saturday (Image: Adam Mortimer / SWNS)

A young quadruple amputee says he is “on top of the world” after climbing a peak for charity.

Luke Mortimer, 10, raised £13,000 for other disabled children by reaching the 656ft summit. The then keen rugby player was just seven when he contracted meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in December 2019.

His family later relocated to a bungalow in Embsay, North Yorks. After gazing at the nearby Embsay Crag, which he can see from the garden of his rural home, Luke vowed he would reach the top.

And on Saturday, together with a group of supporters, he cracked the crag. He said: “It was tough, but I felt on top of the world. It was tiring and tough, but when I got to the top I was very proud of myself. Everybody was really kind for coming out to support.”

Luke raised over £11,400 scaling a 656ft mountain (Adam Mortimer / SWNS)

Dad Adam, 49, said 40 hikers joined his son on the two mile trek. He added: “We did it in a little over two hours, which was pretty good going. It was a massive achievement to get up. Luke was super proud. It was brilliant.”

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Luke said he was amazed to have raised so much after setting a target of £500. The money will help the charity LimbPower and Children in Need.

Luke lost all of his limbs to a deadly illness when he was seven (Adam Mortimer / SWNS)

The bungalow where Luke lives with his brother Harry Mortimer, 14, and mum Christine Mortimer, was adapted for the family by the volunteer organisation Band of Builders.

Working for free, they installed a new kitchen, heating system, shower room and wooden flooring, finishing the refurb in September.

■Visit www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/ adam-mortimer-4 to donate to Luke’s appeal

Douglas Whitbread