Amputee on cusp of completing climbing challenge

The first above-the-knee double-amputee to climb Mount Everest has arrived in Antarctica aiming to complete his challenge of scaling the highest peak in each of the seven continents.

Gurkha veteran Hari Budha Magar, from Canterbury in Kent, has so far scaled six of the seven summits, including Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Elbrus in Russia.

The veteran, who lost both legs 15 years ago while serving in Afghanistan, will begin the 4,892m (16,050 ft) ascent of Mount Vinson on New Year's Day in temperatures which could drop below -40C.

He says this climb comes with challenges which are "amplified with my disability".

Mr Magar said: "For me Mount Vinson will be especially hard with the freezing temperatures because I use his hands more than other climbers, and there is a risk of frostbite developing inside my prosthetic limbs, which would be catastrophic as I can't afford to lose more limbs."

Despite the risks, the veteran says he is determined to "show the world that there are no limits".

"Anything is possible. It's about having the right mindset and adapting to the world around us," he said.

If successful, the former Gurkha will become the first double above-knee amputee to complete the seven summits.

The challenge began with the 4,810m (15,780 ft) ascent of Mount Blanc in August 2019, with his Everest climb taking place almost four years later in May 2023.

Mr Magar says while there have been "some really dark times" since he lost his legs, he would not change it.

"If I had the opportunity to bring my legs back today, I would actually decline because my mission in life is now to help, inspire and empower others," he said.

The veteran, who is also a Pride of Britain award winner and has been awarded an MBE, is using this challenge to raise money for veterans' charities including On The Gurkha Welfare Trust, Blesma, Team Forces Course Foundation, and Pilgrim Bandits.

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