Climbing to Victory

Most people would instantly associate rock climbing with experienced adrenaline junkies, but one man from Edinburgh is on a mission to change this and make climbing accessible for all.

Pushing Boundaries

Jamie Andrew, who lost both his hands and feet to frostbite, has been working hard to change the boundaries of what people with a disability can do by encouraging them to try rock-climbing.

He recently organised Scotland’s first paraclimb competition at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.  The arena is the world’s largest, built into an old rock quarry and boasts walls with climbing routes up to an impressive 28 metres high.

The event saw over thirty people participating from a wide range of backgrounds.  From Cody, a US war veteran who lost a leg in an explosion, to six year old Ethan who has brittle bone disease.

Entirely Inclusive

Jamie comments: “Paraclimbing is entirely inclusive; we don’t care if your disability is a physical one or a mental one.  I believe everyone should have the chance to try climbing and see if it’s something they enjoy.”

Kat Langdon, who took part in the competition, suffers from cerebral palsy which affects her muscle control and movements but finds that climbing gives her a sense of freedom.

“I get on the wall and it’s like I’m free,” she enthuses. “Just like everyone else.  Someone actually told me once that I don’t look any different from anyone else when I’m on the wall and that is the essence of climbing for me.”

Jamie’s mission is to eventually make climbing accessible for everyone across the country.  Find your local wall here : www.thebmc.co.uk/map or contact the British Mountaineering Council for more info on 0161 445 6111.