'I want to inspire others to climb their own mountains'

A former Gurkha has told the BBC he wants to inspire others to "climb their own mountains".

Hari Budha Magar recently became the first double above-the-knee amputee to climb the highest peak on each of the seven continents.

The 43-year-old, who lost both his legs fighting for the British Army in Afghanistan, said it had been his "childhood dream" to reach the top of Mount Everest, which was part of the challenge.

"I don't climb mountains to become famous, make money or win awards," he told the BBC.

"I climb to make awareness of disability and inspire others to... conquer their dreams whatever they may be."

Magar successfully campaigned to overturn Nepal's ban on climbers with disabilities on Mount Everest in 2018.

He later became the world's first double above-knee amputee to climb the mountain.

The veteran, originally from Nepal but who now lives in Canterbury, Kent, spoke to the BBC after the release of his autobiography.

He has revealed in the book that he got married when he was only 11 years old.

Magar has also spoken of his pride at becoming one of the first few people to serve in the Royal Gurkha Rifles as a combat medic and sniper for 15 years, alongside the mental and physical impact of his injury from an IED in Afghanistan.

"I went to Afghanistan to fight until my last and now I'm prepared to fight [for] making awareness of disability until my last breath," he told the BBC.

Magar has said that losing his legs led to him struggling with his mental health and addiction.

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