An IED tore off ex-Gurkha Hari Budha Magar's legs but the hero fought back and conquered Everest

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) tore off the legs of former Gurkha soldier Hari Budha Magar during a mission in Afghanistan, yet his indomitable spirit led him to achieve a remarkable feat, conquering Mount Everest. The incident occurred in 2010, when Magar, serving with the British Army, stepped on an IED in Helmand province, losing both legs above the knee. Despite the severe injury, Magar survived and returned to the UK, though the psychological scars of the attack proved as challenging as the physical ones. Magar's journey began in a small Nepali village, where he was born on 30 July 1979. His arrival was marked by difficulty, with his parents fearing for his survival. However, an elderly woman who assisted with his delivery predicted he would become a climber, sensing his inner strength. This prophecy seemed to take shape when, as a student, Magar became captivated by the idea of climbing Everest after a teacher posed the question: "What does Sagarmatha mean to you?" The term, meaning Everest in Nepali, ignited a passion within him, sparking a lifelong dream of reaching the summit. Determined to pursue his aspirations, Magar joined the British Army in December 1998, successfully completing the rigorous Gurkha selection process. During his service, which lasted over a decade, he committed himself to protecting his fellow soldiers, vowing to fight until his last breath if necessary. His resolve was tested on 17 April 2010, when he was caught in an IED explosion while working on a non-combat task in the Nahr-e-Seraj district of Helmand. The blast severed both his legs, leaving him in critical condition. After being rescued by an American helicopter 18 minutes post-explosion, Magar faced a long recovery period in the UK. The physical rehabilitation was arduous, involving months in hospitals and extensive therapy. Yet, the emotional toll of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was equally profound. Magar described waking up in cold sweats, haunted by the memory of the explosion. Struggling with feelings of isolation and despair, he turned to alcohol for solace, experiencing a deep sense of loss and disconnection from his previous life. It was a chance encounter with the army's Battle Back program in 2012 that reignited Magar's zest for life. Participating in a skydiving session, he found a renewed sense of purpose, realizing that even with half his body missing, he still had the capacity to push beyond limits. This experience laid the groundwork for his ultimate challenge, climbing Everest. In the aftermath of the IED attack, Magar's resilience shone through as he embarked on the daunting task of ascending Everest. Despite the absence of his legs, he demonstrated extraordinary determination, proving that the human spirit can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His successful ascent of the world's highest peak stands as a powerful testament to his courage and perseverance, inspiring others facing adversity.