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EXCLUSIVE: Pride of Britain hero double amputee plants Mirror flag in Antarctica as he makes history

Former Gurkha and Pride of Britain hero Hari Budha Magar tried to take his own life after he had both legs amputated but is now achieving the 'impossible' with his record-breaking adventures

[Pride of Britain hero Hari Budha Magar ]

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Pride of Britain hero Hari Budha Magar has made history by becoming the first double amputee to complete the Seven Summits challenge.

Pride of Britain hero Hari Budha Magar has made history by becoming the first double amputee to complete the Seven Summits challenge - summiting the highest mountain in each continent of the world.

The former Gurkha called us after reaching the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica on Wednesday 7 January, - where he planted a Mirror flag - climbing 4892m on specially designed prosthetic legs, created to cope with snow and ice.

He told The Mirror: Its just an amazing feeling. I dont know how we did it - but the Seven Summits are complete. As someone with a disability - with double over knee amputation - I have done the impossible and climbed them all. I feel very emotional.

After losing his legs when an IED blew up beneath him in Afghanistan in 2010, Hari reached the depths of despair and tried to take his own life.

[Hari proudly posing with the Mirror flag that he planted during the challenge]

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Hari proudly posing with the Mirror flag that he planted during the challenge

Now 46, he has beaten his demons and took on the awe-inspiring challenge to raise the height of Mount Everest plus 884,900 for five amazing charities: Gurkha Welfare Trust, BLESMA, Pilgrim Bandits, On Course Foundation and Team Forces. Hari said: Hopefully, our historic climb and completion of the Seven Summits will send a positive message around the world that anything is possible. I was told no, you cant do it, its too dangerous, this is not for you so many times - as many disabled people are. But look at me now!

The Seven Summits challenge is known as the worlds most coveted mountaineering achievement. It involves summiting Mount Everest in Nepal, Asia (8848m), Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa (5895m); Denali in Alaska, America (6194m); Aconcagua in Argentia, South America (6962m); Vinson Massif in Antarctica (4892m); Carstensz Pyramid, New Guinea (4884m) and Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains, Russia (5642m).

Hari has conquered all but the Russian peak, which is currently inaccessible to Westerners. He scaled Frances Mont Blanc (4808m) instead, and this has been recognised by Guinness World Records. Speaking about the perilous conditions on Vinson, he said: Every couple of minutes, I doubted myself. It was so hard. So painful. I stumbled, which scared me. My legs weren't working properly sometimes. My fingers were freezing, my face was freezing and burning. I don't believe in God but I was praying wed make it and the high winds wouldnt make us turn back - or worse. It was difficult.

[In 2010, two weeks into a tour in Afghanistan, during a foot patrol, an IED explosion led to Hari Budha Magar losing his legs. ]

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In 2010, two weeks into a tour in Afghanistan, during a foot patrol, an IED explosion led to Hari Budha Magar losing his legs. (Image: Handout)

Hari and his team left Antarcticas Union Glacier, which has 24-hour daylight, for Base Camp, then High Camp - the most technical and dangerous part of the climb with crevasses and potential avalanches at every twist and turn - before reaching the Summit. I suffered dreadful blisters. But it was worth it. At the top it was amazing, such a beautiful view. My goggles became foggy with tears. You could see what felt like the whole of Antarctica, snow as far as the eye could see. It was majestic. Otherworldly. It almost looked like heaven.

Born in a cow shed in Nepal, at 19, he joined the Gurkhas - successfully applying to join the British Army, as one of 230 people picked from 12,000 applicants. For the next 15 years he served the UK on five continents, working in Brunei, Kosovo, the Falklands and more. Father-of-three Hari, who now lives in Canterbury, Kent, with his wife Urmila, a stay at home mum, moved with her to the UK from Brunei in 2009.

[Hari Budha Magar at the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica where he planted a Mirror flag.]

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Hari Budha Magar at the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica where he planted a Mirror flag.

But, in 2010, two weeks into a tour in Afghanistan, during a foot patrol, an IED explosion led to him losing his legs. He only survived because of quick thinking fellow soldiers and a helicopter close-by. I thought about those soldiers that saved me when I thought I couldnt take another step on the Vinson climb, he said.

Turning to drink and attempting suicide after the atrocity, a chance day out skydiving gave him the courage to try other sports, including climbing, which changed his life. Successfully summiting Everest in 2023, he has now made history. The first person he called after summiting Vinson was his wife. Hari said: My wife was overjoyed - she was relieved I was okay. And so am I.

Soon Hari will fly back to the UK - but he doesnt plan to rest - as later this year Mirror Books will be publishing his life story.Its time to put pen to paper! said Hari, who in 2024 was awarded an MBE for his services to disability awareness and also won a Pride of Britain Award - going to 10 Downing Street with other winners to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

He said: I want to inspire people to climb their own mountains. I want to give hope and optimism to people around the world. Ive dedicated my life to the disabled community. This challenge - the glory - its for them. And for everyone who has ever been told no.

*You can support Haris incredible appeal, and donate at givewheel.com/fundraising/5346/hari-budha-magar-7-summits-charity-appeal/

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