A former University of East Anglia student is hoping to become the first complete spinal injury tetraplegic in a wheelchair to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Following a trip to Kenya with his parents in 2009, Max Levene became enamoured with Africa’s highest peak.

A few months later, however, Max broke his neck while playing rugby at school in Cornwall.

Norwich Evening News: Max Levene with friends preparing for his Mount Kilimanjaro challengeMax Levene with friends preparing for his Mount Kilimanjaro challenge (Image: Max Levene)

Tetraplegia refers to paralysis in the upper and lower body, affecting both arms and legs to varying degrees of injury. However, it has not limited Max’s dreams.

He attended the UEA to study economics and stayed for a master's degree in development economics, before going on to work for the Department for Work and Pensions in London for the past eight years.

After encouragement from his partner, friends and family, Max decided he was going to follow his dream of climbing Kilimanjaro - which is 19,340ft high.

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On the run-up to the big trip in September, the 31-year-old said: “I am feeling a real combination of excitement and trepidation.”

Norwich Evening News: Former UEA student Max Levene is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in his wheelchair Former UEA student Max Levene is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in his wheelchair (Image: Max Levene)

He has a Youtube channel dedicated to his experiences while in a wheelchair called The Tetro Travels.

In his latest video, Max discusses the importance of exercise to prepare for the climb.

His one piece of advice for anybody is: “To try and do the thing you want to do but are putting off. Be it big or small try and push yourself.

DONATE: Support Max's Kilimanjaro climb

“Not everyone has the chance or health to be able to climb a mountain, but everyone can achieve something in their own way.”

Norwich Evening News: Former UEA student Max Levene was paralysed after a rugby injury in 2009 Former UEA student Max Levene was paralysed after a rugby injury in 2009 (Image: Max Levene)

Max has already raised £2,200 of his £20,000 target for the Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation and the Inspire Foundation on his GoFundMe page.

The rugby charity supported him throughout the years and helped him with his master's by funding his accommodation. The Inspire Foundation conduct crucial spinal injury research.