Climbs bring change 4000 steps closer

Jordon Milroy aims to break down stereotypes. Photo / Doug Sherring

Jordon Milroy refuses to let cerebral palsy define him.

The 25-year-old AUT graduate heads to North America on November 2 in a bid to conquer the stairs of two of the continent's tallest towers: the CN Tower in Toronto and the Willis Tower in Chicago.

Milroy said the mammoth climbs - in which he will tackle an estimated 4000 steps in just two days - aimed to break down stereotypes around disabilities, as well as raise funds for charity.

"I climb to teach people that those with disabilities are capable too. I have a working brain and people shouldn't judge a book by its cover," Milroy said.

"In New Zealand people are used to seeing wheelchairs but are not at the stage of accepting the people in the wheelchairs. I want to change that."

Milroy's first major climb was conquering Auckland's Sky Tower in 2012.

He has also climbed the steps at Melbourne's Eureka Tower, the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas and the Q1 tower in Sydney.

"I am constantly trying to challenge myself. I love pushing my limits and I know that if I put in the effort for something I will get the results."

His trip to North America will double as a celebration of completing his Bachelor of Communications degree.

"Most people get drunk [to celebrate], I climb towers," Milroy said.

The journey is not only about climbing and tackling misconceptions about disabilities.

Milroy is also on a mission to raise funds for all-terrain wheelchairs for people with disabilities in Samoa. Sixteen chairs have so far been donated from funds raised by his previous climbs.

Milroy was born in Samoa and has experienced first-hand the challenges of growing up in the Pacific with a disability.

"There is not much wheelchair access and not many wheelchairs available. Having a disability was like a curse on my family," he said.

"Giving someone a wheelchair is really powerful. It is like giving someone a new lease on life."

Donations can be made at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/jordonclimb