AN amputee who lost his leg to bone cancer aged 17 has set himself the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to help others realise “amputation is a beginning, not an end”.

Damian Harper, 50, of Sandstone Drive, Whiston, lost his left leg and buttock to the disease and has worn a high tech prosthetic leg ever since.

The former Grange Park pupil suffered psychologically following the life changing event, but after taking part in a BBC 4 documentary called No Body’s Perfect, where he was photographed by renowned photographer Rankin, he developed a new found confidence.

Damian became a trustee of St Helens charity The Amputation Foundation and is taking on the 19,341ft climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in October.

He said: “In the early 80s when I lost my leg I had no role models to look up to to say ‘this could be you too’ and ‘amputation is a beginning and not an end’ but that’s what I want to do for others.

“The Kilimanjaro trip is being organised by Limbpower, but I’m taking on the challenge for The Amputation Foundation to fund an outward bound trip for 17 non-able bodied people.

“We took 18 people on a trip to the Lake District last year who had to come on their own to boost their confidence and these people, some of which were only a few months into their new life, were abseiling, cycling, swimming and sailing - and all left more confident.

“That’s why this climb is so important, I want to fund that again for more people.

“In this country we are excellent in providing the physical support for amputees, such as getting prosthetic limbs and aids to help in everyday life, but we are lacking in the emotional and psychological support needed for amputees.

“Knowing the world is not over and you can push yourself to do things that you would never do makes you realise that there is so much life to live.

“Anyone who would like to donate to me please do, all the funds go to The Amputation Foundation.”

n To donate go to bit.ly/DamianHarper