Former Gurkha soldier makes history as the first double above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest
Image by Instagram @hari_budha_magar
Hari Budha Magar, former Corporal in the British Army’s legendary Gurkha regiment, has made history by becoming the first double above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest.
Budha Magar lost both of his legs during a mission in Afghanistan following an IED explosion in 2010. Not wanting his disability to be a hindrance, he has been continually working to positively transform the way people with a disability are perceived, and how they perceive themselves. As an avid mountaineer, he has achieved several milestones in the past.
According to The Times, the 43-year-old completed his expedition a few days before the 70th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay’s legendary ascent of the world’s tallest mountain.
The mountaineer reached the summit of Everest, which stands at 29,000 ft, on Friday, 19 May around 3pm. He finished his descent on Sunday, 21 May, after which he posted images of himself and his team atop Mount Everest.
In his post shared on Instagram, he wrote: “WE DID IT!!!!
“Life is all about adaptation, Nothing is impossible.
“Yes, we did it! We created history, a first of its kind!
“The first double above knee amputee to summit Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world at 15:10 hours on 19th May 2023.
“It took 25 hours climbing from camp 4 to the summit and then back to camp 4. We started 21:50 and arrived back 23:00 the next day.
“The journey wasn’t easy, we had to make some tough decisions along the way, but we made it.
“This experience has really hit home for me that if we are passionate, disciplined, work hard and believe in ourselves, nothing can stop us from achieving our dream. We proved that ‘Nothing is Impossible’.”
Budha Magar was accompanied by his team which included Krishna Thapa, the expedition leader and his HST Adventures climb team. He also received immense support from his family, friends, the Nepalese, Gurkha, Military, UK and Canterbury communities as well as his sponsors and supporters around the world.
Image by Instagram @hari_budha_magar
He addressed them in his post: “Thank you from my bottom of my heart for your help, love and support which was overwhelming and second to none.”
The mountaineer and his team used a unique set of equipment for the climb, including custom-made prosthetics with built-in heating to prevent frostbite, interchangeable feet for different terrains, and extra-thick gloves due to his increased reliance on using his hands compared to other climbers.
He also mentioned that his walking gait resembles that of a penguin, requiring approximately 30% more energy than an able-bodied climber.
Budha Magar has said that his mission “doesn’t end here”. He writes, “I said from the beginning there were 3 summits; raising the funds to make the climb possible, climbing Everest and the last which I will never finish.
“This next mission is to continuously make awareness of disability and change perception on persons with disability but also inspiring and empowering persons with disability. This will be my lifelong mission.”
He adds, “Through this expedition, I am raising funds for 5 amazing charities who helped me when I was at dark time in my life. I aim to raise height of the Mt. Everest plus two zeros (£884,900). Please donate, even just £1 or $1 and share widest possible. I am sure there are 884,900 people who can support!”
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