Man becomes first person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro carrying a fridge

By Adam Dutton via SWNS

A British truck driver has become the “first person in history” to climb Mount Kilimanjaro while carrying a fridge.

Michael Copeland scaled the 19,340ft (5,895m) dormant volcano with a 30kg (4.7st) kitchen appliance strapped to his back.

The 39-year-old HGV driver and former Army fitness instructor completed the grueling challenge to raise awareness about mental health.

Video shows Michael, from Stafford, reaching the summit of Africa's tallest mountain on Monday (25/3) after an exhausting seven-day hike.

On reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak sign, Michael told his cheering supporters: “Day seven and I am the first man in history to climb Kilimanjaro whilst carrying a fridge to represent the burden of poor mental health.”

The former Grenadier Guard has previously climbed the three highest peaks in
England, Scotland, and Wales in under 24 hours while carrying a fridge.

With his latest challenge, he hopes to raise more than $20,000 for the mental health charity Mind.

The dad-of-two began his campaign to raise awareness about mental health two years ago after climbing Snowdon while carrying a fridge full of beer.

He said he felt “lost” after leaving the army in 2007 and struggled with obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Michael added: “My message is you’re not weak if you speak up about mental health.

“I chose Kilimanjaro because it’s one of the highest mountains which can be climbed without ropes or other equipment.

“The competitive spirit I got from the Army has never left me.

“I’ve been the fridge man for two years, but I’ve always used physical challenges to
overcome my own insecurities.

“When I get in nature and when I exercise it makes me feel good.”