Renowned as a Pride of Britain awardee, Hari Budha Magar has achieved a groundbreaking feat by becoming the first person with double amputations to conquer the Seven Summits challenge, scaling the highest peaks on each continent worldwide.
The former Gurkha veteran reached the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica on January 7th, marking a historic moment as he planted a flag representing the Mirror publication. Using specially designed prosthetic legs tailored for snow and ice conditions, Hari successfully ascended 4892m, showcasing remarkable determination.
Reflecting on his unprecedented accomplishment, Hari expressed overwhelming emotions, stating, “It’s an incredible feeling. Completing the Seven Summits seemed impossible due to my disability, but I have defied the odds and conquered them all. I am deeply moved by this achievement.”
Following a life-changing event in 2010 when he lost his legs due to an explosion in Afghanistan, Hari battled despair and suicidal thoughts. However, at 46 years old, he triumphed over his struggles and embarked on the challenging journey to raise funds for five charitable organizations, including the Gurkha Welfare Trust and BLESMA, among others.
The Seven Summits challenge, revered as the ultimate mountaineering accomplishment globally, involves scaling iconic peaks like Mount Everest in Nepal, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Denali in Alaska, among others. Hari’s journey included overcoming treacherous conditions on Vinson, where he faced physical and mental hurdles but persevered to reach the pinnacle.
Born in a humble setting in Nepal, Hari’s path led him to join the British Army, serving across various continents before the life-altering incident in Afghanistan. Overcoming adversity, he embraced sports like climbing, which reshaped his perspective and ultimately led to his historic triumphs.
As he plans to share his inspiring story through a forthcoming book publication, Hari remains committed to empowering and inspiring individuals worldwide. His dedication to the disabled community and his message of resilience and hope serve as a beacon of inspiration for all those facing challenges.
To support Hari’s noble cause, donations can be made at givewheel.com/fundraising/5346/hari-budha-magar-7-summits-charity-appeal/.