Gurkha double above-the-knee amputee veteran beats record for climbing to Everest camp one

Gurkha veteran Hari Budha Magar has completed the first part of his quest to become the first double above-the-knee amputee (DAK) to climb Mount Everest.

Hari crossed the treacherous Khumbu Icefall on his way to camp one (6065m) which he reached on Sunday, before pushing on to camp two (approximately 6400m) the next day.

Hari became the first DAK to complete Khumbu Icefall, and the fastest DAK to climb from base camp to Everest camp one.

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Hari said: "The record for a double amputee from base camp to camp one was 16 hours, so we beat that and I'm happy with that.

"This is the first time a double amputee above the knee has gone through Khumbu Icefall coming up to camp two, so this is also hugely significant for me, and just an amazing experience," he added.

Despite challenging weather conditions, Hari and his team were ahead of schedule. However, strong winds forced them to return down the mountain and wait for favourable weather before heading back up to camp two.

He is now waiting with the team back at base camp for the correct weather conditions to head back up the mountain - this time to the summit. 

Hari is fundraising for five charities that helped him recover after losing his legs in Afghanistan.

Those charities are The Gurkha Welfare Trust, On Course Foundation, Blesma, Pilgrim Bandits and Team Forces. All money raised will be split equally.

The Gurkha veteran is attempting to raise 100 times the height of Mt Everest (£884,900), while aiming to change the perceptions of disability.