A motor neurone disease sufferer has conquered Wales’ highest mountain to raise money for charity. After a gruelling eight-hour trek, the 41-year-old dad of two said he felt “relieved and delighted” after reaching the summit.
The former social worker was backed by a team of supporters including his wife, who admitted to feeling emotional and overwhelmed on reaching the top. She said: “It’s an amazing feeling. Jason is living proof that if you want to do something enough, you can achieve it. It was an amazing personal achievement for me, but for Jason he was so emotional when we reached the summit. It was just so inspiring how he coped over the steep terrain.”
Tough Journey
The team admitted that there were times in which they thought they might not make the top. On uneven terrain, there were times they believed the wheelchair may tip, and had concerns towards the end that the battery may run out before they reached the summit. Mrs Liveridge was keen to help praise those that helped out, she said: “There was a lot of pushing and we wouldn’t have made it without having a few strong blokes there. The chair weighs around 25 stone without Jason in it, so it’s quite a heavy piece of equipment.”
His all-terrain wheelchair was funded by an online campaign and included large robust tires. But Mrs Liveridge admitted that it was perhaps harder than they expected. She said: “It has taken its toll on Jason because his muscles are very weak and it took a lot longer than expected and he was getting thrown around a lot, but it was well worth it. It’s a huge achievement and it’s never been done before, so we’ve made history.”
Inspiration
Mr Liveridge was diagnosed with MND in 2013 and requires 24-hour care for his condition. That being said, he is determined to not let it consume his life. He has taken on a series of different challenges including the longest zip line in Europe. He said: “I might be terminally ill, but my life isn’t over just yet.”
Mrs Liveridge admits to being inspired by her husband and his positive outlook on life. The hope is for both of them is that not only will it raise money for two charities that have supported them through Jason’s illness, but also to raise awareness. They have “made history” by being the first person to reach the summit in a wheelchair and they hope that he inspires others with serious illnesses to overcome them and achieve great things.
