Climbing Mera Peak
Christopher John Park-Greenwood and Roman 'Hava' Havryliak, both veterans with lower limb amputations, successfully summited Mera Peak in Nepal, which stands at 6,476 meters. Their expedition began on October 1, 2026, lasting several days as they ascended using prosthetic limbs, steadily gaining altitude and acclimatizing to the mountain’s demanding conditions. The team also included Gennadiy Hazin, Anna Vozna, and Oleksiy Alekseyenko.
Preparations for the climb spanned over a year, during which Christopher and Roman trained extensively on climbing walls and mountain trails in the Carpathians, gradually increasing the difficulty of their exercises. In the summer of 2026, they also reached the summit of Mount Ararat at 5,137 meters. Both veterans are active members of Second Wind, an adaptive sports community supporting injured military personnel.
Veterans’ Backgrounds
Originally from Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Christopher John Park-Greenwood served in the British Army and the French Foreign Legion. Following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, he traveled to Ukraine and joined the 73rd Marine Center of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces. In 2023, Christopher sustained a severe injury that resulted in the loss of a lower limb.
Roman 'Hava' Havryliak hails from the Lviv region. He volunteered for the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the invasion began, serving as a drone operator in the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade. Roman also suffered a serious injury leading to the amputation of a lower limb. After more than a year of treatment and multiple surgeries, he returned to physical training and mountain trekking.
Their ascent of Mera Peak marks a significant milestone in their journeys, inspiring others by demonstrating resilience and determination. Similar achievements by Ukrainian veterans include:
- Evelina Sarkisyan from Kyiv, who climbed all six peaks of the Ukrainian Carpathians,
- A group of three veterans from the Russia-Ukraine war summiting Mount Ararat at 5,137 meters.
This accomplishment highlights the unwavering spirit of Ukrainian veterans, proving that even after life-altering injuries, they can continue to push boundaries in both sport and life. Their climb not only reflects remarkable physical endurance but also serves as a powerful example of overcoming adversity. Support networks like Second Wind play a crucial role in their rehabilitation and ongoing success, helping veterans adapt to new challenges and maintain an active lifestyle.