I am Hari Budha Magar and in May 2023 I became the world’s first double above-knee amputee to climb Mt. Everest and I am now working in turn to inspire and change perceptions around people with disability.
I am now as part of the legacy of my climb aiming to raise the height of Mt. Everest plus two 00’s [£884,900], for five amazing charities (close to my heart) that have helped me on my journey since losing my legs.
If I had the opportunity to bring my legs back today, I would actually decline. It was only after losing them that I found my true self, the real Hari Budha Magar. That junction in my life has lead me to where I am today. It has blessed me with encounters with some of the most inspirational and extraordinary souls on the planet and allowed me to discover my mission in life – to help others. My life has always been in service, whether to my family, community, military or disability. There is a lot of work that needs to be done around disability, so I am dedicating the rest of my life to help raise awareness.
I am grateful to have been connected with some of the most amazing charities and organisations who have each played a key role in my recovery and journey so far. Not only have they helped me to get my confidence back and be the person I am today, but combined their efforts have helped countless other injured service personnel.
Through the help I received from each entity, I am now in a much better place and I want to give back and help those living with a disability to live their life to the full. And having support from these charities will ensure this is possible.
I have outlined below each of the wonderful organisations who have supported me on my incredible journey since losing my legs. Each one had a unique role to play but all of them gave nothing but unwavering support to get me on the road to climb Mt. Everest.
I wouldn’t be here today without their help and support, for that I will always be indebted to them. From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!
I hope to repay the kindness I have been shown by raising vital funds for each of these wonderful charities / organisations to help more people facing a similar life changing situation to me.
All funds raised will be split equally between the five charities named below:
- Gurkha Welfare Trust (www.gwt.org.uk)
This British charity provides aid to Gurkha veterans, Gurkha widows, their families and the wider community in Nepal.
- BLESMA (www.blesma.org)
This British military charity guarantees that wounded veterans are not failed, forgotten or left to fend for themselves. It helps them rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.
- Pilgrim Bandits (www.pilgrimbandits.org)
This special forces charity offers both physical and mental support to injured military or Emergency Services' personnel and pushes them to break their own boundaries through adventure and get their confidence back.
- On Course Foundation (www.oncoursefoundation.com)
This charity helps support the recovery of injured soldiers and veterans, by building their confidence and self-belief through golf, or helping them attain a career in the golf industry.
- Team Forces (www.teamarmy.org)
This organisation helps raise funds for sport, challenge and adventure in the armed forces community, making pivotal sporting challenges more accessible.