Chaeli Mycroft determined to be first female quadriplegic to scale Kilimanjaro

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Chaeli Mycroft determined to be first female quadriplegic to scale Kilimanjaro

27 August 2015 9:42 AM

Chaeli Mycroft is a Cape Town-based ability activist‚ wheelchair user‚ student and co-founder of The Chaeli Campaign.

The 20-year-old will start her journey to become the first female quadriplegic to summit Kilimanjaro on 3 September 2015.

Photo credit: Chaeli Campaign

She will complete her seven day ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro with a team of seven South African climbers, dubbed the Chaeli Kili Climbers.

The core message for our team is that you need other people to make epic things happen. We need to believe in the potential of each other as people to do great things.
— Chaeli Mycroft, ability activist

The aim of the climb is to raise funds in support of The Chaeli Campaign’s Inclusive Education Programme and The Chaeli Cottage Inclusive Preschool and Enrichment Centre.

I think for me, it's a unique challenge compared to the able-bodied team members. I'll be in my wheelchair the whole time and will have to keep balance. I've been training for the cold and preparing my quads and leg strength.
— Chaeli Mycroft, ability activist

For more information, visit the The Chaeli Campaign website or go to their Facebook page Chaeli Kili Climbers 2015.

Discover Africa has also launched a micro site for the Chaeli Kili Climbers, where you can live track the team and donate.

Listen to the full conversation from CapeTalk's Breakfast with Kieno Kammies:

Written by: Qama Qukula