Living with Disability has regularly reported on the epic achievement that is Hari’s ambitious mountaineering quest.

Hari and his team battled freezing temperatures, vicious winds, treacherous slopes, and dangerous ice fields earlier this year to reach the final peak of his seven-summit challenge, Mount Vinson (4,892m) on Antarctica.

The ascent marked another world first in mountaineering for the British climber and a major landmark in Hari’s mission to create awareness of disability and ‘inspire others to climb their own mountain, whatever that might be’.

Hari’s climbing journey started in 2018 when he first applied to climb the world’s highest mountain, only to be denied by the Nepali authorities who banned climbers with a disability - a ruling he was key in challenging, and overturning, in the High Court.

Four years later, and almost 13 years from the day he lost his legs, Hari stood on top of Everest proving that with determination, and adaptation, anything was possible.

“It isn’t enough to show people once,” said Hari.

“You need to do it over and over to inspire real change. The seven summits challenge was my chance to do just that, in every corner of the world.

“The climbs were not only a chance to change perceptions around disability but also to helpfurther the advancement in technology that will help other amputees lead a fulfilled life and enjoy the outdoors.”

Summit Success

In recent years Hari has successfully climbed Mt. Blanc (4,810m), Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895m), Mt.

Everest (8,849m), Denali, North America (6,190m), Aconcagua, South America (6,960.8m), Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) in Oceania (4,884m) and finally Mount Vinson - a recognised feat only 500 people in history have ever achieved.

Originally from Nepal, Hari served for 15 years with the Royal Gurkha Rifles in the British Army.

In 2010, he lost his legs in Afghanistan after stepping on an improvised explosive device.

Following this life changing event, he found purpose on the mountains and made it his mission to make awareness of disability globally to change perceptions how they perceive themselves and how others perceive them.

“My message to the world is to everyone whether living with a disability or able bodied,” said Hari.

“Anything is possible with enough determination. Yes, you might need to adapt your approach, get help, or think differently, but you can do it!”

Looking Ahead

Now that he has completed the Seven Summits, Hari is looking ahead and is keen to focus on projects that will extend the impact of his achievements beyond mountaineering.

“Now I have more time to play with, I will focus on a book, a documentary, and my aim is to set up a foundation this year,’ he said.

“So even after I am long gone, my legacy can still make a difference.”

Through his seven-summit challenge, Hari is raising money for veterans’ charities including Blesma, The Ghurkha Welfare Trust, On Course Foundation, Pilgrim Bandits, and Team Forces.

To donate visit https://www.givewheel. com/fundraising/5346/hari-budha-magar-7- summits-charity-appeal/

“ Life is all about adaptation and nothing is impossible. Life should not be limiting.