Canterbury: Double amputee scales highest summit outside Asia
A Gurkha veteran who lost both legs serving in Afghanistan has set a new record becoming the first double above-knee (DAK) amputee to summit the highest peak outside of Asia.Hari Budha Magar, from Canterbury, made history when he reached the summit of Mount Everest in 2023, becoming the first DAK amputee to attempt and complete this challenge.He has now set another world first after making it to the top of the 6,961m (22,837ft) Mount Aconcagua, in the Andes mountain range in Argentina, on Saturday.Mr Budha Magar, who is aiming to climb the highest peak in each of the seven continents by the end of the year, said completing this challenge had given him the confidence to finish the final two.
Speaking at Plaza de Mulas base camp at Mount Aconcagua, Mr Budha Magar said: "I'm very pleased that we made it."The father-of-three set out with his team from Mendoza, Argentina, on 9 February, completing the challenge in under two weeks.
Mr Budha Magar joined the Royal Gurkha Rifles at the age of 19. While serving in Afghanistan he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and lost both legs in 2010, aged 31.He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours for services to disability awareness last year."I'm trying to do my bit to give some hope and optimism to the people with disabilities or people who are feeling low," he said."I'm trying to raise awareness of disability all around the world, because disabled people can do anything."
For his Seven Summits challenge he has already climbed Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, Mount Everest the highest peak in the world, Mount McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America, and now Mount Aconcagua.Later this year, he will take on Puncak Jaya in Indonesia, and Mount Vinson, Antarctica, to complete his challenge."After summiting the second highest mountain [out of the Seven Summits challenge peaks], I think this will give me more confidence to complete the other two I have left," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Frank Warren leads tributes as iconic boxing trainer James Cook dies just months after tragic cancer diagnosis aged 66
He was even awarded an MBE 'A true gentleman' Frank Warren leads tributes as iconic boxing trainer James Cook dies just months after tragic cancer diagnosis aged 66 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FRANK WARREN has led the tributes to boxing trainer and former champion James Cook - who has passed away at 66. Cook - who won the British and European super-middleweight titles during his career - was diagnosed with bladder cancer this year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Ex-boxing champion James Cook has passed away aged 66 Credit: Rex Features 3 MBE Cook passed away after a short cancer battle Credit: Rex Features And after a short battle, he has sadly passed away as boxing mourned the respected coach and former fighter. Promoter Warren posted: "Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of James Cook MBE. "A true gentleman of our sport who achieved incredible things inside and outside of the ring. "The work he has done for youths in East London will live on forever and he will be hugely missed. READ MORE IN boxing BOILED OVER Azim fight called off hours before start over rival's illegal weight-cut method "Our condolences to his family and loved ones for their sad loss RIP." Eddie Hearn added: "Rest in peace a wonderful man and one of the most selfless you could ever find." Cook turned professional in 1982 after a successful amateur career and fought British greats in Michael Watson and Herol Graham. He won the British and European titles in the space of a year and retired after losing to Cornelius Carr in 1994. Cook later became a coach and was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to youth justice in Hackney. At Buckingham Palace he received the honour directly from Queen Elizabeth II. In later years, Cook joined Anthony Yarde's camp before the light-heavyweight's rematch win over Lyndon Arthur in 2021.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Frank Warren leads tributes as iconic boxing trainer James Cook dies just months after tragic cancer diagnosis aged 66
FRANK WARREN has led the tributes to boxing trainer and former champion James Cook - who has passed away at 66. Cook - who won the British and European super-middleweight titles during his career - was diagnosed with bladder cancer this year. 3 3 And after a short battle, he has sadly passed away as boxing mourned the respected coach and former fighter. Promoter Warren posted: "Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of James Cook MBE. "A true gentleman of our sport who achieved incredible things inside and outside of the ring. "The work he has done for youths in East London will live on forever and he will be hugely missed. "Our condolences to his family and loved ones for their sad loss RIP." Cook turned professional in 1982 after a successful amateur career and fought British greats in Michael Watson and Herol Graham. He won the British and European titles in the space of a year and retired after losing to Cornelius Carr in 1994. Cook later became a coach and was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to youth justice in Hackney. At Buckingham Palace he received the honour directly from Queen Elizabeth II. In later years, Cook joined Anthony Yarde's camp before the light-heavyweight's rematch win over Lyndon Arthur in 2021. 3
ITV News
2 days ago
- ITV News
David Beckham set to be awarded a knighthood in King's Birthday Honours
Former England football captain David Beckham is to be awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours, ITV News understands. The full list is due to be released next week and Beckham, who made 115 appearances for his country, is expected to be on it. Beckham has undertaken multiple charitable endeavours outside of football, including working with Unicef and the King's Foundation. He began his career at Manchester United, winning the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies in 1999. He then moved to Real Madrid in 2003 where his global stardom hit new heights. He also played for LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain in a wide ranging career. Beckham was awarded an OBE in 2003 and has long been touted as a recipient of a knighthood. Beckham played a key role in securing the Olympic Games for London in 2012 and speculation that Beckham was in line for a knighthood grew after he announced his retirement from football in 2013. In 2014 it was reported that Beckham was on the verge of receiving a knighthood but HM Revenue and Customs placed a red flag on his nomination due to his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme. In 2017 a series of leaked emails appeared to show Beckham criticising the honours system and honours committee. Beckham said these emails were "hacked", "doctored" and "private". Beckham is a Goodwill Ambassador for Unicef and launched the David Beckham Unicef fund in 2015. He joined the King's Foundation as an ambassador in 2024, working for the King's charity to further their education programme. If the knighthood goes through Beckham would take on the title of Sir and his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham - who herself already holds an OBE - would become Lady Beckham.
