Recently, 24-year-old Matt Edwards from Portsmouth, UK had an amazing experience. After five hours and forty-five minutes, he reached the summit of Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales, despite being an amputee and on crutches.
Matt, accompanied by his friend Jack Sharpe and Mr. Sharpe’s 13-year-old nephew, successfully reached the summit and felt “wonderful.” In addition to doing it for himself, he raised funds for the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (Sands) after a family member’s daughter died. They have raised almost $1,200 thus far.
In 2018, Matt lost the lower portion of his left leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident. After the accident, he found it “physically and mentally difficult” to cope with the loss of his limb, so he turned to narcotics and alcohol. He did not find a “immediate stress reliever” until he discovered boxing, which prompted him to establish the charity Boxing for the Brain, which assists individuals with poor self-esteem.
The ascent was difficult for Matt, especially considering that other hikers with two limbs gave up because the terrain was too icy and “knackering.” But he persevered, determined not to give up because it was for a worthy cause.
Matt’s tale serves as a reminder that if you don’t give up and put your mind to something, anything is possible. He overcome his physical restrictions to reach the summit of Snowdon, and more importantly, he utilised this opportunity to give back and assist others.
