A YOUNG quad amputee who hoped to raise £500 by embarking on a gruelling climb has been left stunned after bringing in more than £23,000 in donations.
Selfless Luke Mortimer, 10, described reaching the top of Embsay Crag, near Skipton, as both "mad" and "absolutely amazing".
The youngster was just seven when he sadly lost his arms and legs after getting the bacterial infections meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia.
Following his diagnosis, his family was supported by charities and donors who helped to adapt his home and even buy him a £15,000 bionic arm.
Luke later set his heart on “returning the favour” to organisations that support disabled children by doing a sponsored climb of the crag, which is close to his home.
But he's been left stunned with the money he’s now raised after reaching the top of the 656ft peak on November 4 - dubbed his ‘Everest’.
Luke said: “There’s no other word to describe it other than mad - it’s just absolutely amazing.
“When it reached £10,000, I was checking it every day, and it was going up by £2,000 or £3,000 at a time.
“It’s just really fulfilling. I’m really happy we’ve been able to raise so much.”
Luke’s proud dad Adam Mortimer, 49, said: “It's definitely taken on a life of its own. I’m just amazed at how much support Luke has had and the way people have helped us.
“I’m really proud of him. We didn’t set out to make this a huge thing, but we do fundraise a lot for Luke. It was nice to do it for someone else.
“It took us a bit by surprise - and it restored a lot of faith in people. It’s not easy with the cost of living going up, so for people to donate so much is great.
“I transferred £13,000 to LimbPower this morning, and I’m hopefully going to transfer £13,000 to Children In Need tomorrow morning, but it’s still going higher every day.”
You can still donate to Luke's appeal at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/adam-mortimer-4
Luke, previously a keen rugby player for Skipton RFC, was first struck down with meningococcal meningitis on December 13, 2019.
He was transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where doctors found life-threatening septicaemia, also known as blood poisoning, had developed in his body.
Luke endured endless sessions of physiotherapy and rehabilitation. He later learned to walk - and run - on prosthetic legs.
After receiving £15,000 worth of donations from an army of well-wishers, he also got his first robotic ‘hero’ arm so he could do more for himself.
Luke completed the climb of Embsay Crag on November 4, supported by dozens of well-wishers.
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