An double amputee is climbing Ben Nevis to help children who have also lost limbs.
Paul Ellis was paralysed after a fall in 1992, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The dad endured crippling pain for over 15 years, with his legs fused together at the ankles.
Having his legs amputated below the knee in 2008 was a "blessing", as the 57-year-old was able to get around again.
On a mission to do good Paul, from Widnes, Cheshire, has been fundraising for Amp Camp Kids which sends amputee children on holiday.
Next weekend’s climb to the UK’s highest peak will be the third time Paul has taken on the challenge, having conquered the same summit last year with Amp Camp founder Ben Lovell, and previously back in 2012 for Marie Curie.
Paul’s ascent of Snowdon in Wales last summer caught a wave of public interest, raising more than £28,000 for the non-profit scheme. This time a 30-strong group is expected to join the climb, led by Keir Nicholson.
Other climbers include fellow amputees Debbie McQuatt and Dan Hartsorn.
The challenge will involve a night of wild camping, supported by kit donated by Cotswold Outdoor.
Dad-of-two Paul said he’s expecting a “tough” climb to the top but is hoping for good weather.
He told the ECHO: “It’s going to be a good one and a hard couple of days. We’re going to start first thing in the morning and keep crawling until it goes dark and camp up there.”
Paul, who is recovering from an injury, added: “I hurt my leg, I’ve been off my leg and pulled my shoulder.
"I’ve been round pushing the wheelchair every day and walking a lot as well on my legs and I’ve been out with Ben and the team.
“We went yesterday to Devil’s Kitchen [in Snowdonia] and did that round the top of it and came back down.
"That was a good training exercise on my hands and knees. At the moment it’s quite slippy but hopefully it’s going to be a hot week or we get some sunshine or a bit warmer.
“We’re well prepared, Cotswold’s have provided all the gear and the camping stuff: tents, sleeping bags, there’s loads of stuff as well, they’ve been really good.”
Paul is even expecting a more difficult challenge. He said: “I think it’s going to be twice as hard. Some parts are quite rocky and quite bouldery. It’s going to be a lot harder than Snowdon and it’s a bit longer.
He continued: "In parts it’s quite tricky. It’s going to be quite tough in the day on my hands and knees. I’ve got my kneepads and my gardening gloves and that’s all I need.”
To view the donation page click here, or visit gogetfunding.com and search for 'AmpCamp Kids'.
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