Climbing Mt Everest is an incredible feat even with two legs. But Gurkha soldier Hari Budha Magar is aiming for new heights of endurance – becoming the first double above-the-knee amputee to scale the 29,000ft peak.
The 43-year-old suffered devastating injuries when blown up in Afghanistan fighting for Britain.
But he said he hopes his journey to the top of the world’s highest peak will show that ‘whatever is thrown at you, you can live life to the full’.
Led by ex-SAS soldier Matthew Hellyer, Hari and a team of ten amputees and terminally ill veterans will trek for three days to reach base camp before Hari makes his push for the summit.
The April 6 expedition has been organised by Dorset-based charity Pilgrim Bandits, which hopes to boost mental health and wellbeing – as well as camaraderie and employment opportunities – for injured ex-servicemen and women.
Hari, a father-of-three now living in Canterbury, Kent, was born in Nepal and grew up in poverty before signing up for the British Army aged 19. He lost both legs above the knee in 2010 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device.
But his valiant recovery has seen him take up not only mountaineering but also kayaking, skydiving, rock climbing, wheelchair basketball and rugby.
And he has already reached the summit of the 21,000ft Mera Peak, also in Nepal’s Himalayas.
Hari said: ‘I want to raise awareness of disability and show that having a disability does not have to be limiting. We can be successful and live a happy and meaningful life.’
His Crowdfunder page has so far raised £157,000 of a £312,000 target.
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