Cape Town student rises above disability
After a 4000m ascent, wheelchair-bound Chaeli Mycroft reached new heights for people with disabilities yesterday when she completed her climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. The Cape Town student became the first female quadriplegic to summit the mountain, in a six-day hike.Mycroft, an "ability activist" who has cerebral palsy, celebrated her 21st birthday on the mountain on the second day of the climb on Sunday with her team of six.In a statement from The Chaeli Campaign, she said: "I need my bed, very tired but really happy today. We made it!"Mycroft's mother, Zelda Mycroft, confirmed the group's success on Twitter: "Summit confirmed #teamawesome almost back at Kibu camp already #history #grateful".The Rev Canon Mpho Tutu, executive director of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, said: "Chaeli Mycroft is an extraordinary example of humanity. She has proven that when people reach for the stars they can actually touch them."The news that she summited Mount Kilimanjaro in her wheelchair today is no surprise. She is a blessing to us all."Mycroft's aim was to raise R1-million from the climb.The FW de Klerk Foundation nominated Mycroft for the Kids Rights International Children's Peace Prize, which she received in 2011...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.