'Yes, we did it', says Gurkha veteran who has become first double amputee to climb Everest
A Gurkha veteran who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan has made mountaineering history to become the first double above-knee amputee to reach the top of Mount Everest.
Hari Budha Magar took on the incredible challenge to change perceptions, proving disability is no barrier to climbing the 8,849-metre peak.
The 43-year-old, who reached the summit at about 15:00 BST on Friday, said: "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."
The journey took Hari and his team 25 hours from Camp four to the summit and back.
Hari said: "The journey wasn't easy, we had to make some tough decisions along the way, but we made it.
"The climb didn't go entirely to plan because of weather conditions.
"Oxygen supplies ran low and some people had to turn back for their and teams' overall safety.
"I also wanted to give up at least three times when half of [my] team had gone.
"The Sherpas, which included my brother, reassured me we could make it and the oxygen will last but even they could not predict how long conditions would delay and supplies would run low.
"As a team we pushed hard and five us made it to the summit.
"My brother, Nanda Bahadur Budha Magar, Mingma Sharpa, Pasang Sherpa, Jit Bahadur Tamang, and I, did it.
"We reached the top of the world.
"We just had to carry on and push for the top, no matter how much it hurt or how long it took.
"If I can climb to the top of the world then anyone, regardless of their disability, can achieve their dream.
"No matter how big your dreams, no matter how challenging your disability, with the right mindset, anything is possible."
Hari grew up in the Nepalese mountains and scaling Everest was a boyhood dream.
He served 15 years as a corporal with the Gurkha Regiment, but in 2010 lost his legs when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan.
Through his epic climb, Hari is attempting to fundraise £884,900 – the equivalent of 100 times the height of Everest.
The money will help five charities that aided him with his recovery: The Gurkha Welfare Trust, On Course Foundation, Blesma, Pilgrim Bandits and Team Forces.
Joining Hari was expedition leader Krish Thapa who is a world-class high-altitude mountaineer and ex-SAS mountain leader.
Krish was one of the first members of The Royal Gurkha Rifles to pass selection into the British SAS, serving as head of Mountain Troop.
Hari began his Everest ascent on Saturday 6 May after a two-week wait at base camp for suitable weather and he is due to return to the UK later this week.
Donations can be made to Hari's cause here.
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