Hari Budha Magar, a hero of the Pride of Britain awards, has achieved a groundbreaking feat as the first double amputee to conquer the Seven Summits challenge, scaling the highest peaks on each continent worldwide.
Following his triumph at the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Hari, a former Gurkha, hoisted a Mirror flag after ascending 4892m with specially crafted prosthetic legs tailored for snowy and icy terrains. Expressing his exhilaration, he shared, “It’s just an amazing feeling. I don’t know how we did it – but the Seven Summits are complete. As someone with a disability – with double over knee amputation – I have done the impossible and climbed them all. I feel very emotional.”
Having lost his legs in a tragic incident in Afghanistan in 2010, Hari battled despair and attempted suicide before embarking on this remarkable journey. At 46, he overcame his challenges and undertook the daunting task to raise funds totaling the height of Mount Everest plus £884,900 for five charitable organizations.
The Seven Summits challenge, renowned as the pinnacle of mountaineering achievements globally, comprises conquering Mount Everest in Nepal, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Denali in Alaska, Aconcagua in Argentina, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea, and Mount Elbrus in Russia.
Hari, having surmounted all but the Russian peak, substituted his ascent with France’s Mont Blanc, a feat acknowledged by the Guinness World Records. Reflecting on the treacherous conditions during the Vinson climb, he remarked, “Every couple of minutes, I doubted myself. It was so hard. So painful.”
Departing from Antarctica’s Union Glacier, Hari and his team navigated through Base Camp and High Camp to the Summit, enduring challenges like crevasses and potential avalanches. Recalling the experience, he described the breathtaking view at the top as “majestic” and “otherworldly.”
Originally hailing from a cow shed in Nepal, Hari joined the Gurkhas at 19 and later served in various locations worldwide for the British Army. Despite facing adversity, he found solace in sports like climbing, leading to his historic achievement of conquering the Seven Summits.
Looking ahead, Hari plans to share his life story through a book publication by Mirror Books. His unwavering determination to inspire others is a testament to his commitment to empowering the disabled community and spreading hope globally.
