Creating awareness, showcasing accomplishments and raising funds
Welcome back! This is the first post of 2019. This year will be another exciting year for The Active Amputee. Loads of new things in the making. But more about them in another post soon. Let's first take a look at my first big live event of the year.
111 Routes Can Be Intimidating
The new year kicked off with a bang; with something that leaves a mark. Just the way I like it. Last Saturday, January 12, 2019 I took on a climbing challenge. My goal was to climb 111 routes at my local climbing wall, totalling 888 metres. The idea was to draw attention to disability issues, to showcase the amazing feats that someone with an amputation can do and to raise funds for The Active Amputee. The event took place at Green Spider Climbing in Hereford and was partly live-streamed on Instagram, Facebook and co.
I would like to thank the whole Green Spider team for the amazing support. They bend over backwards to make this event such a success. I also would like to thank Trekitt, a jewel of an independent outdoor shop for the generous donations and for helping me spreading the word about the 888m climbing challenge.
To cut a song story short: I managed. Bagged all the 111 routes! But have a look at the videos and see for yourself.
And... The GoFundMe page will still be open until the end of the month. So if you feel like making a donation to support the new projects of The Active Amputee in 2019 (e.g. a monthly podcast starting in April), go for it. All donations are highly appreciated. Thanks!
Videos From The Event
The video from the 888m climbing challenge at Green Spider Climbing Hereford on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Some background about the 888m climbing challenge.
During my preparation I climbed hundreds of routes and slowly build the strength and endurance I needed for the actual climbing challenge.
Post by Bjoern Eser. Bjoern is the founder of The Active Amputee.
Further Reading
Fundraising in Timor Leste
My work often brings me to countries in the tropics. Sometimes just for a few weeks. Sometimes for years. And while a high-tech knee is a great plus when it comes to being active and mobile, they soon hit their limits when water, sand, mud and rice paddies are involved. A simple backup option is needed. And often this can be done locally. As it was in my case, in Timor Leste back in 2009. read more
Getting into paraclimbing
Climbing is an amazing sport. Full stop. No matter if you are into bouldering or top-roped routes at a local climbing wall, prefer pre-bolted sport routes outdoors or love the thrill of proper multi-pitch trad climbing or a deep-water solo, the sport has something for everybody. And I mean everybody, no matter if you are able-bodied (what ever that is) or not. read more
The art of letting go
I am pretty steadfast in my belief that the body is self-organizing and self-healing given the right conditions. Mind you, knowing those conditions is another thing. I had to let go of “why” this was happening to me and “what else can I do”. Interestingly, when I began to explore the option to amputate, some incredible experiences “appeared” in my life. read more