Sarah de Lagarde: Double Amputee’s Inspiring Kilimanjaro Triumph
Sarah de Lagarde, a determined woman from Camden, North London, has become the first female , to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. After losing her right arm and leg in a tragic accident involving two Tube trains in September 2022, Sarah defied the odds to achieve this extraordinary feat, symbolising resilience and hope for all who face adversity.
Sarah’s life took a dramatic turn when she fell onto the tracks at High Barnet station and was struck by two trains while travelling home from work. The incident occurred just one month after she had initially climbed Kilimanjaro, and it resulted in the amputation of her right arm and leg. Despite these life-altering injuries, Sarah’s determination to reclaim her life only grew stronger.
With the support of her dedicated team, including medical professionals, local guides, and the encouragement of her husband Jeremy and their daughters, aged 10 and 13, Sarah embarked on a five-day journey up Kilimanjaro. Each day brought new challenges, including gruelling ascents of up to 4,921 feet and relentless 16-hour hikes. On summit day, she faced severe phantom limb pain but pushed through, driven by the motivational words of her family.
Standing at the summit on 14th August was a deeply emotional moment for Sarah. “The intense beauty of that place, it looks so otherworldly,” she said, overwhelmed by the triumph of her journey. It was not just a personal victory but also a testament to overcoming immense hardship. “There was so much I overcame during that time; I thought, climbing a mountain – actually this is nothing in comparison.”
The seeds for Sarah’s return to Kilimanjaro were planted immediately after her accident. As friends, family, and colleagues visited her in the hospital, they often said, “One day you’ll climb Kilimanjaro again.” During her rehab, she drew inspiration from the mountain, driven by a painting of the volcano her mother gave her to encourage her recovery.
Sarah’s journey has not only been about personal conquest but also about raising awareness and funds for others facing similar challenges. During her time in Tanzania, she visited a prosthetics and rehabilitation centre in Moshi, where she met individuals grappling with their own battles. The experience was profoundly moving and reaffirmed her commitment to helping others see beyond their limitations. Her climb has raised over £10,000 for STAND, a charity supporting amputees in conflict zones and developing countries, with a target of £25,000.
For more updates on Sarah de Lagarde’s journey and further insights, visit EyeOnLondon.
Image Credit: Rawpix
