Liam O’Keeffe had a promising future with Bristol Bears – but suffered a life-changing injury
If successful, Liam will become the first person with tetraplegia to complete the climb(Image: SGS)
A promising young rugby star left paralysed by a horror injury a decade ago is set to make history as the first person with tetraplegia to scale Mount Kilimanjaro.
Inspirational former Bristol Bears Academy player Liam O’Keeffe is hoping the conquer the climb using a customised mountain trike.
Nearly ten years ago, while playing for St Mary’s Old Boys RFC in Bristol, Liam suffered a catastrophic spinal injury that resulted in paralysis from the chest down and severely limited movement in one arm.
Despite this life-altering event, Liam, who is an Electrical Assessor at South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS College), has continued to inspire with his commitment to education and his unwavering resolve.
Liam is now embarking on the ascent of Africa’s tallest mountain with the goal of collecting £50,000 for the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), the official charity of England Rugby that aids players who have experienced severe injuries during rugby union matches in England.
“Within 24 hours of my accident, the IPF were by my bedside and have been supporting me ever since,” Liam recounted. “They helped me access vital rehabilitation, funded adaptations to my home, and supported me in returning to work. It’s thanks to them that I was able to rebuild my life and regain independence.”
Today, at SGS College, Liam occupies an indispensable role mentoring apprentices venturing into the building trade. His journey back to work was facilitated by the vocational rehabilitation programme from the IPF, which eases the transition back into employment through funding, equipment, and ongoing support for both physical and mental health.
“Before my injury, I qualified as an electrician, and the IPF encouraged me to make use of that qualification,” expressed Liam. “Now, I work full-time as an electrical assessor, and I’m proud to help young people find their way in the industry.”
Liam is well on track with his training for the Kilimanjaro challenge. Devoting up to nine hours weekly for training purposes, he has already ascended Pen y Fan twice and is charting climbs of Sugar Loaf, tackling the Welsh Three Peaks and plotting the Brecon Four Peaks.
Liam O’Keeffe is preparing to undertake an extraordinary feat this October – ascending Mount Kilimanjaro in a specially adapted mountain trike(Image: SGS)
Additionally, he’s getting expert guidance from a personal trainer and doing altitude training in anticipation of the unique demands the mountain will throw at him.
Alongside his training and job commitments, Liam is busy putting together several fundraising endeavours for the IPF, including:
– A VETS rugby tournament accompanied by an afternoon of music slated for the 31st May at St Mary’s Old Boys RFC.
– A fancy dinner replete with an auction and raffle happening on the 7th June in Bristol.
– The Sandy Mitchell Bristol Combination Rugby 10s event set for the Lockleaze Sports Centre on the 9th August.
Liam expressed his gratitude, sharing “The IPF gave me the tools to live independently again,” and detailed how the organisation has been integral in his life, stating, “From helping me care for my son to supporting my career, they’ve made an incredible difference in my life. This climb is my way of saying thank you – and ensuring they can continue their work supporting others like me.”
For those interested in backing Liam’s Kilimanjaro challenge or keeping up with his journey, visit his fundraising page Uhuru Saints-Climb Kili | givestar or follow him on Instagram under the handle @ck4ipf.