Amputee-Adventures - Mark O'Leary

Kilimanjaro Trek
in aid of the Limbless Association

September
2010

Mark O'Leary - single above-knee amputee

Three weeks before my nineteenth birthday I had a motorbike accident that resulted in the loss of my right leg above the knee. Prior to this unfortunate day I was an average person leading an ordinary life and I’m pleased to say that nothing changed!

I was always a bit of a geek, interested in science and how things worked. After spending a couple of weeks in intensive care recovering from complications brought about by my accident, I developed a fascination with the machines that had helped to keep me alive. As a result of this I studied medical physics at university and then worked for the NHS for several years. Seeking further challenges, I went on to undertake research and now work for University College London designing equipment to help people with swallowing difficulties.

I have spent nearly half my life as an amputee and have lived this life to the full, with two legs and now one, thanks to the support of loving family and friends. I like to explore new places with my partner Helen, have always enjoyed swimming and have finally taken up SCUBA diving, a hobby that I’ve been meaning to try for twenty years.

Less than a year ago my life was altered for the better by the decision to take part in a trial of a new technique for attaching prosthetic limbs. I am now the proud owner of a titanium implant that allows me to wear my limb directly fixed to the bone in my stump, eliminating the need for socket fixation. This has given me a physical freedom that I haven’t experienced before as an amputee, which I intend to exploit to the full by attempting to climb mount Kilimanjaro in September to raise money for the Limbless Association.
Attempting a challenge on this scale will probably be a once in a lifetime experience. When I expressed an interest in climbing Kilimanjaro, my partner Helen understandably wanted to share in the experience. We have both signed up to take part in the Trek, raising money for the Limbless Association, and hope to stand together on the summit of Africa's highest mountain. Helen has her own challenges to confront before that day can become a reality, please look at Helen's page for further information.
Please support my efforts by donating via mine and my partner's JustGiving page
For more information about my implant (ITAP) please click here.
Highlights of mine and Helen's Kilimanjaro preparation three months prior to the trek.
My partner Helen's stepmother, Sandie Stidwill, has generously offered to run the Abingdon marathon in October this year and donate the sponsorship raised to our fundraising for the Kilimanjaro trek. Please click here for further information.