In a moment filled with pride and inspiration, Hari Budha Magar, a double above-the-knee amputee and trailblazing adventurer, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in a ceremony at Windsor Castle. The honour, presented by the Princess Royal, recognises his extraordinary contributions to disability awareness and his groundbreaking achievements as a mountaineer.
Originally from Nepal, Mr Magar’s story is one of unparalleled courage and resilience. A former Gurkha soldier who lost both legs in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan in 2010, he defied all odds to become the first double above-the-knee amputee to scale Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, in 2023.
Seaking after receiving the honour, the father-of-three revealed that the Princess Royal was left momentarily speechless when he shared his plans to climb the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents. “I told her that I am climbing the seven summits,” Mr Magar said. “She couldn’t speak for a while.”
With four peaks already conquered, Mr Magar is preparing for his next challenge: Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America, in February. Despite the physical demands of his endeavours, he remains determined to continue pushing boundaries, both for himself and for the wider disability community.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr Magar shared how his life took a dark turn after the loss of his legs. Struggling with physical and emotional pain, he turned to alcohol as a way to cope. “At one point, I thought I was going to die soon because I was drinking so much to just control my pain and emotions,” he admitted. But a desire to live for his family and a newfound passion for sports helped him rebuild his confidence and find a new purpose.
His achievements extend beyond mountaineering. In 2018, he successfully campaigned to overturn a ban in Nepal that prohibited people with disabilities from climbing Everest. His victory not only opened the door for his historic ascent but also for countless others who dream of defying the odds.
The Investiture ceremony on Wednesday was attended by 60 other recipients, including actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, the first deaf contestant to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. Mr Magar stood proudly alongside them, embodying the spirit of determination and resilience.
As The Looker Newspaper has had the privilege of meeting Mr Magar on several occasions, we extend our warmest congratulations to him and his family. His journey continues to inspire not only the Nepalese community in our area but also people from all walks of life. As we approach the festive season, we wish Mr Magar, his loved ones, and the entire Nepalese community a very warm and joyful Christmas.
Hari Budha Magar is not just climbing mountains; he is breaking barriers and redefining what is possible.