On a balmy July morning, Jamie McAnsh finds himself pausing on a log bench beside the Grouse Grind trail, a popular ascent on Vancouver’s North Shore. Halfway through this challenging 2.5-kilometre track, which features an arduous 2,830 stairs, McAnsh reflects on his journey. “Stairs have always been something I shy away from because they’ve always been hard,” he admits, gesturing to the knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) on his legs. “This doesn’t make it necessarily easy, but it does make it possible.” For McAnsh, possibility is everything.
From Paralysis to Possibility
Once an avid runner and motorcycle sales executive in Wales, McAnsh’s life took a dramatic turn on January 6, 2014. After experiencing a sudden neurological spasm that resulted in nerve damage to his spine, he found himself partially paralysed from the waist down. Diagnosed with bilateral lower-limb complex regional pain syndrome, a rare and debilitating condition, he faced unimaginable pain and a daily intake of pain medication that peaked at 16,000 milligrams.
Initially reliant on a wheelchair, McAnsh refused to allow his condition to dictate his life. He transitioned to forearm crutches and began a determined ascent back into the world of physical activity. In 2022, he trekked to Everest Base Camp, and soon after, he set his sights on Mount Kilimanjaro—a challenge that would require innovative mobility solutions to navigate its rocky terrain.
Embracing New Technology
While preparing for Kilimanjaro, McAnsh discovered the KAFO, manufactured by the French company Thuasne. This orthotic device, resembling a leg brace with knee hinges and shoe inserts, provided him with the independence he had longed for. “I basically just said, ‘Look, I’m climbing Kilimanjaro, and I want to do it in those structures, and I want to work with you,’” he recounted, illustrating his proactive approach to overcoming obstacles.
Fast forward to June 2024, and McAnsh was scaling Kilimanjaro, demonstrating the remarkable potential of this technology. “I want everybody to be able to do what they want to do,” he expressed, emphasising the importance of accessibility in mobility. “When you’re able-bodied, you don’t appreciate it until you don’t have it.”
The Road to Everest
Now, as McAnsh gears up for his ultimate challenge—climbing Mount Everest in 2028—he is experimenting with a new Canadian-made KAFO, the SpryStep Agilik, developed by Vancouver’s Bionic Power in collaboration with Thuasne. This advanced device incorporates motors and torque at the knee joint, tailored to his specific needs through real-time gait analysis. “It’s lightweight and modern,” said McAnsh, who is keen to test its capabilities on his journey to the world’s highest peak.
Despite the daunting elevation difference—Grouse Mountain’s peak reaches around 1,200 metres compared to Everest’s staggering 8,849 metres—the Grouse Grind serves as a critical training ground. Here, McAnsh is not only honing his physical fitness but also gathering invaluable data on the Agilik’s performance.
As he ascends the trail, the device collects information on his gait, which can be analysed to enhance future iterations. The collaboration between McAnsh and Bionic Power exemplifies how innovative technology can transform lives, offering hope and independence to those facing mobility challenges.
Navigating New Challenges
While McAnsh prepares to make history as one of the few climbers with a disability to summit Everest, he is mindful of the unique challenges ahead. He plans to take the less-travelled north face route to avoid avalanche risks, a decision underscoring his strategic approach to safety. “I can’t run. I don’t want to put myself into an avalanche situation,” he explained, demonstrating a thoughtful awareness of his limitations.
As he meticulously strategises logistics, from hiring yaks to transport equipment to assessing battery needs for his orthotic device, McAnsh remains focused on his goal. “If I can stand on the summit of Everest, then who’s out there that wants to just go to Walmart?” he remarked, highlighting his desire to inspire others facing their own challenges.
Why it Matters
Jamie McAnsh’s journey is not merely about conquering mountains; it is a powerful testament to human resilience and the transformative impact of technology. His determination to climb Everest represents a broader narrative of hope for those with disabilities, demonstrating that with the right tools and mindset, the seemingly impossible can become attainable. Through McAnsh’s story, we see a call to action for society to embrace innovative solutions that empower individuals, reminding us all of the profound strength that lies within the human spirit.
