Gurkha who lost both legs in an explosion in Afghanistan makes history by climbing Mount Everest
Gurkha who lost both legs in an explosion in Afghanistan makes history by climbing Mount Everest
- Hari Budha Magar completed the feat 70 years after Sir Edmund Hillary’s climb
- He grew up in Nepal before serving 15 years as a corporal in the Gurkha regiment
A former British Army Gurkha who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan has become the first double above the knee amputee to climb Mount Everest.
Hari Budha Magar completed the grueling feat 70 years after Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to conquer the mountain.
The 43-year-old said: “If I can climb to the top of the world, anyone, regardless of their handicap, can achieve their dream.”
Mr Magar grew up in the Nepalese mountains before serving 15 years as a Corporal in the Gurkha Regiment of the British Army, losing both his legs in an improvised explosive device detonation in 2010.
It reached the 29,000 foot peak on Friday around 3 p.m.
Former British Army Gurkha who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan has become the first double above the knee amputee to climb Mount Everest
Hari Budha Magar climbs to camp two. In 2010 he lost both legs in an explosion with an improvised explosive device
The father-of-three has since returned to base camp, saying over the satellite phone yesterday, “That was tough. Harder than I could have imagined. We just had to keep going and push to the top no matter how much it hurt or how long it took.
“When the going got really tough, it was the thought of my wonderful family and everyone who helped me up the mountain that pushed me to the top.”
Mr. Magar raises money for five veteran charities: Team Forces, the Gurkha Welfare Trust, Pilgrim Bandits, Blesma and On Course Foundation.
His Everest appeal can be supported at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/harieverestappeal.