Mission to climb Manaia accomplished

Alina Nelson (left), of Footwell Podiatry, Rueben's podiatrist, and first time up Manaia, personal trainer from Activ8 Northland Dilan Palmer, Denise Pearson, Reuben Leslie and Des Lavender made the climb to the top of Mount Manaia. Photo / Vicky Bruce-Miller

Eight-year-old Reuben Leslie has led his first climbing team on a successful expedition to the summit of Mount Manaia.

While the Glenbervie School student has the mental fortitude needed to scale mountains, sometimes his legs, affected by cerebral palsy, are less willing.

So, on Saturday. the determined adventurer enlisted the help of a few friends, including Activ8 trainer Dilan Palmer, fellow gym-goer and rugby player Des Lavender and doctor Vicky Bruce-Miller to help him scale the 1200 stairs to the top of Manaia. His mum Denise Pearson and podiatrist Alina Nelson also made the hike, 403 metres above sea level. A backpack, large sponges to sit on and some duct tape combined to make a pack to carry Reuben most of the way.

Mr Lavender and Mr Palmer shared the load but, at times, Reuben made some of the climb under his own steam.

"It's something he's always wanted to do ... he's a go-getter," said proud mum, Ms Pearson.

"He's still buzzing about it. He took some photos to school to show everyone."

To mark the occasion Reuben wore a special Superman shirt with "team leader" written across the back. From the top, after Reuben let out a whoop of delight, the team took in the spectacular vistas of Whangarei Harbour in the chilly southerly wind. She thanked those who made her son's dream possible.

"Reuben was stoked and he wants to do it again. I'm really thankful to everyone who took time out of their weekend schedule for my son."

But it was also the helpers taking inspiration from Reuben.

"His excitment about the challenge makes you put things into perspective, said Mr Palmer, 24. "He's a real trooper and a real bundle of life."

Dr Bruce-Miller said: "He's such a positive little man and inspirational."

Dr Bruce-Miller and Mr Palmer helped raise money for Reuben last year when they slogged it out on indoor rowing machines and completed a 100km row in five hours and 44 minutes.