Double above-knee amputee (DAK) Hari Budha Magar’s has confirmed he is to attempt to climb the world’s highest mountain.
The former Nepalese Gurkha, who is featured on the current cover of Living with Disability, will leave the UK at the end of March and hopes to reach the summit of Mount Everest in early May.
Hari, who lost both legs after stepping on an improvised explosive device while serving with the British Army, holds the world record for being the first ever DAK to summit a mountain over 6,000m. He hopes to push that record above 8,800m by climbing Mount Everest.
LWD will be in touch with Hari and his team throughout the Conquering Dreams expedition and will be reporting on their progress, from their arrival in Nepal, the journey to Base Camp and the inspiring climb itself.
Speaking from his home in Kent, 43-year-old father of three Hari was upbeat and confident about the challenge ahead.
“I’m physically ready and logistically preparations are going well,” said Hari.
“Through crowd funding, donations and sponsorship we’ve raised more than two thirds of the money we need and I’m confident we’ll reach our target. I am so grateful to everyone who has backed the expedition in anyway.
“The ultimate goal is to become the world’s first double above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest and inspire and change perceptions around disability.
“Around 12-15% of the world’s population have some kind of disability. That’s nearly one billion people worldwide. My message is that whatever is thrown at you, you can live life to the full.
“I want to raise awareness of disability and show that having a disability does not have to be limiting. We can be successful and live a happy and meaningful life.”
“After reading or watching my story, if someone finds hope and a purpose to live before they give up, finds the courage to move forward when they are struggling, or finds the motivation to achieve something in their life, I would be happy that I made a difference.”
To support Hari’s historic climb go to https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/harieverest and to find out more about Hari and his dream to climb Everest see the feature Ain’t No Mountain High Enough in the current edition of Living with Disability.
And be sure to keep up with Hari’s progress with Living with Disability.