Not many of us can successfully climb Mount Everest, but when you are a double above-the-knee amputee, you can be certain people are going to stop and take notice. This is exactly what Hari Budha Maga, who is a British Gurkha veteran, wanted to achieve. As an NDIS provider on the Gold Coast, we are always thrilled to see people overcoming challenges in their life and also raising vital awareness for disabilities.
A Monumental Challenge
In 2012, whilst on patrol in Afghanistan, Magar, who had been in the British army since 1990, fell victim to an IED, an improvised explosive device, which took both his legs. He spoke of how his accident caused lots of suffering, and the resulting disability had not been the best experience. He didn’t want other people to suffer in the same way and hoped that by taking on such a monumental challenge, he could help shape the perception of disabled people into something more positive.
A Dangerous Mountain
Everest is still a dangerous climb, but with the correct preparation and support, it can be scaled successfully. In 2023, so far, nine people have sadly lost their lives attempting to complete the challenge, but overall, more than 11,000 climbers have trekked to the summit. While he’s not the first person with a disability to scale, Everest his challenge was still monumental. He chose to climb the same route that Sir Edmund, Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay took when they successfully scaled Everest for the first time in 1953. It is still one of the most popular routes up the beast today. It is not something you can just turn up and do, Nepal issues permits to climb Everest, and climbers can only attempt to climb this mountain during the correct season for safety reasons. May is the end of the season, and 478 permits have been issued during this season by the government.
Positive Image
Speaking from the base camp in an interview with Reuters, Magar said, “I hope my climb will help change the perception of persons with disabilities. I would like to encourage all people to take to climbing any mountain of their choice.” He made the climb on Friday, the 19th of May 2023 and at the weekend, spent time recovering at the base camp. The climb is 29,032 feet which is 8848 m. The 43-year-old amputee was supported by the Himalayan Ski Trip Company, which supplied five Sherpa guides to climb alongside the Gurkha. Whilst other amputees have climbed, Everest, Magar has taken a world record as the first-ever double above-knee amputee to complete the challenge. A spokesman for Nepal’s Department of Tourism, Bigjan Koirala, said he was delighted to confirm that the ascent is classed as a world record. Although it may seem dangerous to many, Nepal relies heavily on the tourism of people climbing to the summit, as it is a pretty cash-strapped region, and the money generated is a vital income source.