Luke Mortimer: Amputee's fundraising climb hits £23k

Luke Mortimer wanted to give something back by climbing Emsay Crag

A 10-year-old quadruple amputee who climbed a 656ft (200m) hill in North Yorkshire has raised almost £23,000 for charities.

Luke Mortimer, from Skipton, had to have both his arms and legs amputated after contracting meningitis in 2019.

He undertook the climb up Embsay Crag, near Skipton, at the beginning of November and had initially hoped to raise £500.

The money will go to the BBC's Children in Need appeal and LimbPower.

Luke's father Adam Mortimer said: "We are amazed at the total the fundraising has reached.

"Luke was only aiming to raise £500."

Luke's health issues began when he contracted meningococcal meningitis septicaemia in 2019 and after six months in Sheffield Children's Hospital he left as a quad amputee.

"I've had 24 operations on my arms, on my front, I've had them on my legs, I've had them everywhere pretty much," said Luke.

Luke's challenge took him just over two hours

He has received support from Skipton-based charity SELFA, which is supported by Children in Need funds.

"The first time that I went to SELFA I actually had no friends, but as soon as I stepped through the door I felt joyful."

He said it was somewhere everyone could get together and "really have a good time".

"When you are not disabled you've got people around you who are exactly like you.

"When you are disabled, especially in a quiet town like Skipton, it is kind of harder as there aren't many people like you who you can get together with."

Luke's story has attracted donations from across the world

Luke wanted to give back and came up with the idea of climbing Embsay Crag which he managed with the use of prosthetic legs earlier this month in just two hours.

"There are two things I found difficult," he said.

"First off when we were right at the top there's like a really steep, rocky, kind of scrabbly bit.

"The other thing I found difficult was going back down. It was pretty muddy and sometimes some of the other people would slide down a bit."

His father Adam said: "He went up the crag, he never complained, he never moaned, he just got up to the top.

"It is an immense achievement and I am immensely proud of what he's done."