Double amputee British Army veteran in dangerous record-breaking Everest climb
A British war veteran who lost both his legs in Afghanistan is climbing Mount Everest - and he's already at camp two.
Hari Budha Magar stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in 2010 and now he's a double above-the-knee amputee.
Now he hopes to change perceptions about disability and wants to be the first double-leg amputee to scale the world's highest peak - which sits at 8,849m.
Hari's journey is already well underway and he made it to camp two on Monday, May 7, after beginning his ascent the previous Saturday - and after a brief rest, he'll be pushing on to camp three.
Hari Budha Magar wants to be the first double leg amputee to reach the summit (Krish Thapa HST Adventures/ SWNS)What do you think about Hari's efforts? Let us know in the comments...
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Hari said: "When I lost my legs, I thought my life was over, but only over time did I realise that I only found my true self.
"Anything is possible with adaptation and I hope that my climb changes perceptions people may have about the capability of people with disabilities and also inspire others to climb their own mountain, whatever that might be."
Hari is climbing with Krish Thapa, his expedition leader, and the challenge is expected to take up to seven days - but that depends on conditions so it could take longer.
To get from base camp to camp two, the pair had to cross the Khumbu Icefall (Krish Thapa HST Adventures/ SWNS)
Hari isn't letting his disability hold him back (Krish Thapa HST Adventures/ SWNS)Everest Base Camp sits at 5,364m and the summit is over 3,000m away, and to get there the team will have to battle freezing temperatures, crevasses, and not least of all the legendary death zone.
The death zone refers to altitudes above 8,000m - at which point there isn't enough oxygen for humans to live, and extended stays will almost certainly cost the climber their life.
Hari, who lives in Kent, said: "The record for a double amputee (below knee in this case) from base camp to camp one was 16 hours, so we beat that and I'm happy with that.
Guide Krish Thapa said Hari's expedition is one of the hardest he's ever done (Krish Thapa HST Adventures/ SWNS)"This is the first time ever a double amputee above the knee has gone through Khumbu Icefall coming up to camp two, so this is also hugely significant for me, and just an amazing experience."
Krish Thapa, Hari's mountain guide and a former SAS mountain troop leader, said: "Without a doubt this is the most challenging ascent I have taken on.
"We have had to innovate a different approach to the climb, with a much larger climb team to ensure safety at all times."
Hari is attempting to raise £884,900 - 100 times the height of Mount Everest - for five charities that helped him on the road to recovery.
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To support Hari's Everest Appeal expedition, please click here.
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