Bring Zack back!

It sounds like a modern-day film producer’s take on the old Biblical story of Job. An ordinary chap, doing his best in life first loses his beloved wife; then his job; and finally his health, when he is shot in a car-jacking and confined to a wheelchair. Shortly after, his brother also dies. But far from bemoaning his terrible misfortune he sets about devoting his life to charitable work and inspiring others. Yet that, in a nutshell, is the true story of Zachary Kimotho. And eight years after his “triple tragedy” Zack has now undertaken a marathon 2,000 mile trip in his wheelchair, from his home in Nairobi, to South Africa, to raise funds so that Kenya can have its own Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre. South Africa is where the nearest treatment centre is currently located, so Zack’s epic journey will not only serve to raise funds and awareness for the cause, but will also permit him to receive some belated treatment himself. His greatest wish is that the treatment that he was unable to receive, earlier, when it might have had the maximum effect on his own recovery chances, shouldn’t be denied to others in the future. It will cost KSh250 million (nearly £2 million) to build the Nairobi-based Centre, which will be the first in East Africa, but this forty-something Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine, who in his younger days trained in his country’s National Youth Service, and distinguished himself during his schooling, is determined that his fellow citizens will benefit from his misfortune, and receive the best possible treatment. The inspiring example set by Zack and other disabled Kenyan athletes will feature in a BBC1 TV programme on 8 September, entitled “Paralympic Dreams”. Meanwhile, check out this great series of videos, in which he relates his story, showing what a positive attitude he has, and then sets off on his amazing journey.

Introductory video