War veteran’s high hopes for Everest
Disabled man’s bid to scale mountain for charity
A disabled war veteran is set to climb part of the world’s highest mountain for charity.
Former Gurkha Anil Gurung was posted to Afghanistan with the British Army in 2009. Twenty days before the end of his tour, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) and lost his right leg below the knee.
He won gold for Great Britain in sitting volleyball at the Invictus Games in London in 2014, beating USA 3-0 in the final. He returned to the games last year in Orlando, achieving a silver medal.
The 29-year-old now works at military and disability charity Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) in Aylesford, and has set his sights on a new challenge.
He has decided to climb to base camp at Mount Everest, reaching a height of 18,000ft.
He said: “It will be a challenge for me both physically and mentally. I am trying to build my muscles back up after taking time out after the Invictus Games and have been trekking across Kent and more recently in Snowdonia.
“Royal British Legion Industries has been incredibly supportive of me, and has been helping me every step of the way. I owe a lot to the RBLI, not only for helping me to stabilise my life after leaving the service, but also for encouraging me to take on these challenges and helping me to prove to myself I can do them, so it’s very rewarding to know I’m giving something back.”
Steve Sherry OBE, RBLI’s chief executive, said: “Anil’s dedication to go above and beyond is a testament to his character.
“The money he raises will go directly to helping veterans and individuals with health conditions and disabilities receive the support they need to find sustained employment and get their lives back on track.
“We’re immensely proud of Anil and wish him the very best of luck in his challenge.”
To donate, go to tinyurl.com/ GurungKM