Record-breaking Gurkha veteran's unique self-heating prosthetic leg made specially for Everest attempt
A former British Army Gurkha who is trying to become the first double above-knee amputee to climb Mount Everest has helped design a key piece of kit to make his attempt easier.
Hari Budha Magar will climb with prosthetics, but the exertion and altitude mean any sweat which forms on his stumps could freeze, causing pain and injuries.
Hari, who served with the Royal Gurkha Rifles for 15 years, has been showing Forces News the specially-designed self-heating prosthetics he has helped to make.
"Nothing was designed for us [double-amputees], so we have designed them now ourselves," he said.
"This is still not perfect, we need to make it much better, but I think at least I have got something to climb [with]," he added.
Hari spent 15 years in the Army, but was injured during a tour to Afghanistan in 2010.
An IED blast whilst he was on a foot patrol meant he lost both legs above the knee.
But Hari has not let the injuries hold him back - he has already conquered four mountain summits of more than 4,800 metres and his sights are now set on Everest.
The adventurer was due to attempt climbing Everest in April 2018 but was stopped by the Nepalese tourism ministry, which brought in restrictions prohibiting blind people and double-amputees from climbing the world's highest mountain.
In April last year, after a year of training, he became the first person to reach Everest Base Camp in above-the-knee prosthetics and now he wants to reach the summit.
As well as the self-heating prosthetic legs, Hari will also take special sunglasses to help with the glare and wind on the mountain, a massage gun to help with the extra load on his upper body, extra gloves and massage goggles to help him sleep.
It's all kit he hopes will allow other double-amputees to attempt Everest, but only after he’s finally had a go.
Due to his injuries, Hari is forced to climb on all fours, meaning his face is much closer to the snow than other climbers.
While many in Hari's position might focus on what they don't have, he is focused on what he does – with it even working in his favour at certain points of the climb.
He explained that climbing up ladders and technical climbs – using specialised equipment – are much easier for him due to his lighter weight and lower centre of gravity.
Hari flies to Nepal shortly and weather-permitting, hopes to reach the summit in the next few months.
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