For a double amputee it is even more remarkable.
For most, the desire had begun in childhood or adolescence, often after seeing an amputee.
However, after an inspirational recovery he became the first quadruple amputee to climb Ben Nevis and climbs rock routes graded Very Severe.
In 1997, he was the first leg amputee to complete the 250km Great Sahara Run.
It allows an amputee to move the prosthetic arm as if it is a real limb, simply by thinking.
Tools such as amputee dolls may be helpful in explaining how a prosthetic limb will be worn and to encourage positive body image.
Zafar Khan, Chair of the Limbless Association explained I lost my leg at 21 and meeting another amputee really raised my hopes.