Ex-Soldier And Double Amputee Climbs Highest Mountain In Wales 'To Prove I Can Do It'

A former soldier and double amputee has climbed the highest mountain in Wales because he wanted to prove to himself he could do it.

Liam King lost both his legs when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in 2011.

He was serving in the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment at the time in Afghanistan.

Despite his injuries, he set himself a task of climbing Mount Snowdon in Wales to show that anything is possible when you set your mind to it.

"I wanted to prove to myself that I can do it," the 33-year-old said. "Life isn't over just because you've got a serious injury.

"Up until recently I struggled mentally with my injuries. I'm hungry for life now."

It took him seven hours to make it to the summit and he climbed the huge mountain alongside fellow veteran Luke Read, who also served in the 2nd Battalion.

During their gruelling journey, they faced snow, rain and wind. In total, the journey to the peak and back down again took 12 hours of 'constant' walking.

Liam said: "We started the walk around 8am and from the get-go we had the worst possible weather.

"It was chucking it down the whole way. The first part of the ascent wasn't too bad but the second part was hell to be honest."

He added: "Since 2011 I've had a lot of ups and downs but I've found myself in a really good headspace since joining Airborne Fit."

Liam was praised by his fellow climber Luke, who said the former soldier is a perfect example of setting your goals and achieving them.

"It's inspirational that he's done it. He was on his hands pretty much most of the time," Luke said.

"It's a big old challenge for him to get up there. It was cold and raining the whole time. We had snow and sleet at the top.

"There was no stopping for lunchboxes - it was constant."

Snowdon is a regular spot for climbers of different abilities to test themselves and Liam joins a growing list of people who can claim they've reached the summit.

The mountain is located inside Snowdonia National Park in Gwynedd.