For the past decade, Singapore mountaineers have been pushing their limits on progressively harder objectives. In 1998, after a decade of mountaineering and being leader of the landmark 1st Singapore Everest Expedition, David was paralysed completely by Guillain-Barre Syndrome ( GBS ). It is called a syndrome and not a ' disease' because it is the body's own immune system ( and not some virus/ bacteria ) that attacks the peripheral nerves; rendering the victim paralysed. You can find more links and information about GBS by going to the DISABILITY SPORTS link on the navigaton bar on the left.

David spent six months in hospital and had to re-learn many basic tasks as he recovered. He is now partially disabled ( non-functional right ankle/foot; calves and compromised grip strength ) as a result but managed to make a comeback by climbing Aconcagua one year after his release from hospital.

In 2002, David Lim will attempt an ascent of TWO 8000m peaks, back-to-back. Both are amongst the world’s highest mountains These climbs will also highlight that disabled persons are not necessarily "unable"

This is ASCENT 8000.

Ascent 8000 is organised in partnership with the
Singapore Sports Council for the Disabled

Background:

It is without doubt that climbing the highest mountains in the world without the use of bottled oxygen is extremely difficult. For example, of the 1000 people who have summitted Mt Everest, fewer than 120 have done so without bottled oxygen. Arguably the greatest mountaineer alive, Reinhold Messner , believes that the true sporting way to climb these peaks is to do so without such equipment.

Climbing in small teams, in good style and eschewing oxygen is a desired alpine goal, difficult for the able-bodied mountaineer – even harder for those with motor-related disabilities.

While climbing the 8000m peaks with minimal support is the next logical step for Singapore mountaineers at this stage of Singapore's climbing maturity, ‘enchaining’ multiple major ascents is a difficult and relatively new climbing style.

The Objectives:

ASCENT 8000 was conceived in October 2000. It’s aims are to:

1) heighten the awareness of the importance of disability sports

David will be working with the SSCD in promoting the importance of disability sports and integrating the disabled into society through this medium. Activities include fundraising for SSCD and ASCENT 8000 as well as highlighting SSCD’s role in Singapore.

2) push for higher standards in Singapore mountaineering

ASCENT 8000 will target the peak Shishapangma and Cho Oyu in Apr/ May 2002. The expedition will take eight weeks. David’s first peak will also allow for acclimatisation for the second, assisting in achieving a unique double, if successful.