On a warm July morning, Jamie McAnsh finds himself halfway up the Grouse Grind trail on Vancouver’s North Shore, a challenging route featuring 2,830 stairs. Sweaty and reflective, the 30-something Brit, who has faced significant physical challenges since a neurological incident left him partly paralysed, is determined to redefine what is possible for himself and others with disabilities. Equipped with a cutting-edge orthosis, McAnsh is not merely training; he’s setting the stage for his ambitious goal of summiting Mount Everest in 2028.
From Routine to Challenge: A Life Altered
In his earlier life, Jamie was thriving as a sales executive in Wales, indulging his passion for motorcycles and maintaining an active lifestyle that included running and outdoor adventures. However, everything changed on 6 January 2014, when he experienced a severe neurological spasm that caused debilitating nerve damage to his spine. The diagnosis of bilateral lower-limb complex regional pain syndrome soon followed, a debilitating condition that rendered him partially paralysed and in chronic pain.
At his worst, McAnsh required an astonishing 16,000 milligrams of pain medication daily. Though he initially relied on a wheelchair, he refused to succumb to his circumstances. Instead, he transitioned to forearm crutches and began his journey back to physical activity. In 2022, he completed an 11-day trek to Everest Base Camp, driven by a fierce determination to reclaim his mobility and inspire others facing similar challenges.
The Quest for Mobility
Following his trek to Everest Base Camp, McAnsh set his sights on Mount Kilimanjaro. Anticipating the need for enhanced mobility, he sought a solution that would allow him to navigate more demanding terrains. His search led him to a knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO) developed by the French company Thuasne. This innovative device, which resembles a leg brace with a knee hinge and shoe insert, provided him with newfound independence, enabling him to relearn walking.
In June 2024, after successfully pitching his ambition to climb Kilimanjaro using the KAFO, McAnsh became a testament to the device’s capabilities. “I want everybody to be able to do what they want to do,” he stated, emphasising the importance of mobility in reclaiming life’s joys, from simple dog walks to playful moments with children.
Pushing Boundaries: The Agilik KAFO
Fast forward to the present, and McAnsh is preparing for Everest, this time with the support of Canadian innovation. Collaborating with Bionic Power, a Vancouver-based company, he is testing the SpryStep Agilik KAFO, a modernised orthosis designed for enhanced daily mobility. This lightweight device integrates advanced technology, including sensors and motors, to assist with movement, making it a significant evolution from traditional, cumbersome exoskeletons.
As McAnsh ascends the Grouse Grind, he wears the Agilik, which collects data on his gait and performance, contributing to ongoing research and potential improvements. While this device is primarily intended for rehabilitation and daily activities, McAnsh is pushing its limits and testing its robustness against the backdrop of the Grouse Grind.
The Road to Everest: A Unique Path
Though Grouse Mountain is a mere stepping stone compared to Everest’s towering heights, for McAnsh, every ascent is a vital part of his training. The conditions on Everest will be far more rigorous, and McAnsh plans to approach the mountain via the north face to avoid the dangers posed by avalanches and ice falls. His meticulous planning includes considerations for equipment transport, ensuring that he has the necessary resources for his unprecedented journey.
With dreams of conquering Everest since childhood, McAnsh carries a picture of the mountain that has inspired him since he was seven years old. “It was always something that I would someday do. And then I woke up paralysed,” he recalls.
Yet, standing triumphantly at the summit of Grouse Mountain after a rigorous climb, he reflects not only on his personal achievements but also on the broader narrative of what technology can enable for individuals with disabilities.
Why it Matters
Jamie McAnsh’s journey is a profound reminder of resilience and the transformative power of technology in redefining possibilities for those with disabilities. His story highlights the urgent need for accessible innovation and support systems that empower individuals to reclaim their lives, proving that with determination and the right tools, even the highest mountains can be conquered. As he prepares for Everest, McAnsh embodies the spirit of hope and perseverance, urging others to look beyond their limitations and envision a future filled with possibilities.
