Hari Budha Magar, a trailblazer in history, achieved the Seven Summits challenge recently, marking a remarkable feat as the sole double amputee below the knee to accomplish this. Hari, aged 46, proudly placed The Mirror’s banner atop Mount Vinson in Antarctica on January 7, the final peak on his journey, describing the perilous ascent as a situation where a single misstep could lead to a dangerous fall down the mountain.

The Seven Summits challenge stands as one of the most prestigious accomplishments in mountaineering globally. It entails scaling the highest peaks on each of the seven continents: Mount Everest in Nepal, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Denali in Alaska, Aconcagua in Argentina, Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Carstensz Pyramid in New Guinea, and Elbrus in Russia. Hari successfully conquered all except Elbrus and substituted it with Mont Blanc in France due to restrictions. This substitution was officially recognized by Guinness World Records.

Hari’s extraordinary journey is particularly remarkable considering his past as a courageous ex-Gurkha and British Army veteran who faced adversity when he lost both legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2010. Despite the challenges, Hari’s family warmly welcomed his return home in Canterbury, Kent, with celebrations, expressing both pride and relief at his safe return.

Using specially designed prosthetic legs for snow and ice terrains, Hari overcame daunting slopes and hazardous conditions during his climbs. Each mountain presented unique perils, with moments of extreme danger, such as a near-fatal incident on Mount Blanc in 2019. Hari vividly recalls the risks and challenges faced during his Seven Summits journey, highlighting the unforgiving nature of nature and the mountainous terrain.

Reflecting on his experiences, Hari emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming adversity. He acknowledges the support and generosity of his guide and supporters during critical moments, particularly on Mount Everest where he ran out of oxygen. Hari’s message of hope extends to individuals facing hardships, urging them to persevere and hold onto their dreams despite obstacles.

Hari, who aims to raise funds for various charities, expresses gratitude to all who have supported him on his monumental quest. He remains humble in his achievements, recognizing the collective effort of his supporters, family, and fellow veterans who have been instrumental in his success.