Two Ukrainian amputee veterans climb Himalayas – photos
Two veterans of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, both amputees, have conquered the Himalayas. The expedition included Ivan Tarn and Oleksandr Dashko, two veterans from the Artan and Kraken special operations forces units respectively.
Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine
Details: The soldiers were accompanied by professional climbers Tetiana Yalovchak and Taras Pozdnii. Together they climbed to Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of 5,280 metres.
Ivan Tarn shared his impressions: "You see all this in front of you, but it's hard to believe your eyes. It's like looking at a very, very realistic photo wallpaper. Incredible beauty."
Taking part in the project was a serious challenge for the veterans.
"A lot of people didn't believe in this project or in me, because I have a very extensive amputation," Oleksandr Dashko said. "Whoever I talked to about this adventure, they’d say: ‘Most people with two legs can't climb up there, and you only have one leg; you'll ruin your health even more – don't do it.’
It was challenging for me, but other amputees need to see this climb. They need to see that there is life after amputation."
The expedition was part of the Limitless project, which aims to raise awareness of the problems faced by amputees and to raise UAH 3 million (about US$72,000) to combat phantom pain.
"Until now, no Ukrainian amputees had climbed this peak," Limitless said. "This is more than just a hike. It’s proof that there are no limits for those who have a goal and the strength to keep going. Proof that life after amputation is possible.
This climb is for everyone who is currently fighting, recovering, and trying to live a full life despite everything."
Background: Earlier, we reported on Ukrainian defender Roman "Dobriak" Kolesnyk, who lost a leg on the front line and went on a hike in the Carpathians on a prosthesis to raise money for Ukrainian soldiers.
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