Pitmedden man set for inspiring Everest climb
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A Pitmedden man is set to undertake a gruelling mission to walk to Everest Base Camp, three years after having his leg amputated.
Lee Chapman (34) lost his leg in March 2017 following complications after a motorbike accident near Oldmeldrum in April 2016.
Now with a different outlook on life, he is set to inspire other amputees as he takes on the challenge next month.
The operations manager for Keenan Recycling will fly to Kathmandu in Nepal on March 7 before travelling to Lukla Airport to begin his adventure.
He explained how the idea of the fundraiser came about: “When you have had an experience like mine you begin to realise how valuable life is.
"You want to do as much as you can to help other people along the way, whether that’s being an inspiration or raising money.
“It is amazing to see how much you can inspire people just by your actions.
“Climbing Everest has been a thought before as I have done a bit of ice climbing.
“I will need more training because my right knee works differently to my left.
“If I get to base camp surprisingly not out of breath I will be glad.”
To prepare for the challenge of a lifetime he has been hillwalking after work every day.
He has determination and drive to make the most out of experiencing one of most sought-after treks in the world.
Mr Chapman believes that the trail to Base Camp, which takes mountaineers from an altitude of 2860m to 5380m, taking in impressive views up Himalayan valleys, can push him to keep on going.
He added: “I have been hiking midweek under candlelight and doing Munros at the weekend which are going quite well. I can’t wait for it.
“No matter how sore it is, I will make the most of every moment.
“Even if I am lying at the side of a road and my legs are in pain, all I need to do is look up to the sky and think ‘wow look where I am’.
“This will help me keep on going.”
Mr Chapman is hoping to raise around £2500 for Finding your Feet, a charity close to his heart.
The charity aims to reduce isolation among the amputee community by providing sporting initiatives and social inclusion projects.
He told the Advertiser: “Once a month I chair a meeting in Aberdeen.
“We try to get as many amputees together for the group.
“It is about encouraging others and raise as much money possible for them.
“The charity provided a local support network of amputees who knew
what I was going through.
“This made me feel like I wasn’t alone, and that I had people who I could speak to whenever I was struggling.”
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lee-Chapman-Everest.
