MBE Recipient Hari Budha Magar Reveals Plans for Further Climbs

Hari Budha Magar, the first above-the-knee double-amputee to ascend Mount Everest, stated that the Princess Royal was left speechless when he informed her of his intention to scale additional mountains. Mr. Magar, who hails from Canterbury in Kent, described being awarded an MBE at Windsor Castle on Wednesday as “absolutely amazing.” An adventurer and advocate for disability rights, Mr. Magar was serving as a Gurkha with the British Army in Afghanistan in 2010 when he lost both legs in an IED (improvised explosive device) blast. Originally from Nepal, the father-of-three made history in 2023 by becoming the first above-the-knee double-amputee to climb the world’s highest peak. In 2018, he spearheaded a campaign that went to the Supreme Court in Nepal to overturn a ban on individuals with disabilities climbing Everest. Mr. Magar recounted: “I told her (the Princess Royal) that I am climbing the seven summits. She couldn’t speak for a while.” His goal is to climb the highest peak on each of the seven continents. With three summits remaining, his next attempt is scheduled for February, when he will undertake Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in South America. After the loss of his legs, Mr. Magar also contended with mental health issues. “At one point I thought I was going to die soon because I was drinking so much to just control my pain and emotions,” Mr. Magar shared. “I didn’t know how powerful the mind is. But I just wanted to live for my family. I started doing sports and gained my confidence.” He received the MBE for his contributions to disability awareness. Mr. Magar was among 60 other recipients of the honour, including actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who achieved a historic first as the initial deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. Additional reporting was provided by PA Media. For updates, follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not accountable for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.