A former Gurkha soldier who lost his legs after being blown up in Afghanistan has become the first double-above-knee amputee to climb North America’s highest peak.

Hari Budha Magar, from Canterbury, spent two weeks on the ascent of Denali in Alaska before reaching the summit at 20,310ft.

The 45-year-old veteran and his support team set off from base camp on Monday, June 17, and got to the top at 7.30pm on Friday, June 28.

According to US National Park Service statistics, just over half of those who attempt Denali are successful.

Due to the depth of soft snow on its lower slopes, Hari had to travel to a US training camp in March ahead of the expedition to learn how to snowshoe efficiently on his adapted prosthetics and build the other skills and teamwork for this climb.

At just 3 degrees south of the Arctic Circle, changeable pressure systems also led to unpredictable and cold weather, dropping to minus 26C.

The team also had to cope with high winds at higher altitudes, which slowed their progress, delayed their final push for the summit and risked supplies running dangerously low.

On one particularly technical section, they spent eight-and-a-half hours climbing.

Using a satellite phone to relay the good news, Hari said: “Life is all about adaptation. We have shown once again that nothing is impossible.

“Thank you all for your love and support. We’ll take a couple of days to get back down and then be back in touch to tell you all about the adventure.”

Hari is on a journey to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents

To date, he has already climbed Everest in Asia, Mont Blanc in Europe, Kilimanjaro in Africa, and now Denali.

This leaves Aconcagua in Argentina, South America, Puncak Jaya in Indonesia, Oceania, and Mount Vinson in Antarctica as the final three peaks to complete Hari’s ambitious goal.

In May last year, Hari became the first ever double above-the-knee amputee to climb Mount Everest.

He was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of this climb.

He made the summit of the world’s tallest peak in an effort to change perceptions on disability and inspire people to climb their own ‘mountains’ no matter the adversity that stands in their way.

He grew up in the Nepalese mountains before serving for 15 years as a Corporal with the Gurkha Regiment of the British Army.

Hari, who served with the 1st Royal Gurkha Rifles and fought alongside Prince Harry, was horrifically injured after stepping on a bomb in April 2010.

Following the amputations, he spent just three weeks in hospital and now walks with prosthetic legs.

He has launched a Crowdfunder to raise money to continue his climbs, which are helping to change people’s perceptions of what is possible for people with disability.

Since the climb, he has thanked his partners Barratt Developments, Branding Science, Gurkha Welfare Trust, Ottobock, Parajumpers Clothing, Team Forces and Therabody for their support.

He has also thanked his supporters including NSSLGlobal, SunGod Eyewear, Leki Gloves and Poles, Precision Fuel & Hydration, and Team 365.