My name is Zackary Kimotho. I was born in Kigumo in Murang'a County 43 years ago. I was a normal child, grew up normally and joined primary school in 1975. I was one of the brightest pupils and I was never ranked below position 3 in my class.

I was admitted to the University of Nairobi for a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine course and my career life took definite shape. The future looked bright. I was full of hope when I finally graduated with honours in 1994. In 1996 I registered as a Vet with the Kenya Veterinary Board. Everything was no doubt going well for me.

It was on 9th January, 2004. I was driving from Kikuyu to Nairobi when I encountered thugs who attempted to carjack me. I still do not understand why they shot me since there was no struggle and I didn’t defy their orders.All I remember is a bullet tearing through my shoulder, through my spine all the way to the other shoulder.From that moment I’ve never stood up or walked again. It’s now over nine years since I was confined to a wheelchair.

There are lots of things that I used to do for myself – things that I took for granted – things that I can no longer do. I believe, with proper treatment and rehabilitation, this should not be the case.

That’s why I’m making this 4,000km trip in my wheelchair to South Africa where the nearest rehabilitation centre is located, not only to seek treatment but to also raise funds for a Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre here in Nairobi.

While he is one of thousands of Kenyans with spinal injuries, there is currently no specialist care available in the country.

Now Zack is trying to raise nearly £2m to build a Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Unit in Nairobi - the first in East Africa.

To do this he has begun an attempt to push himself across Africa, from the Kenyan capital Nairobi to South Africa, where the nearest Spinal Unit is.

You can follow his progress on The Bring Zack Back Home Website Click Here