Annapurna Nepalese Restaurant in East Sheen, Richmond recently hosted a charity lunch with special guest speaker, Hari Budha Magar, former British Army Gurkha and world record holder as the first double-above-the-knee (DAK) amputee to summit Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain.

Magar visited Annapurna Nepalese restaurant on Sunday, 21 April to talk to a select group of diners about his early life in Nepal; his experience of serving with the British Army and how stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan in 2010 changed his life.

Since the accident there have been and continue to be many challenges for Magar.

However, his mindset and determination to embrace life, to move forwards and overcome whatever challenges come his way have resulted in many achievements.

The former Gurkha has also become an avid campaigner and motivational speaker, challenging perceptions of what people with disabilities can achieve.

"After my injuries, I initially lost a lot of confidence," says Magar.

Gurkha veteran and world record holder, Hari Budha Magar (credit: Image supplied).

"The way disabilities are viewed in Nepal is as if you'd done something wrong in a previous life and now have a burden to carry.

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"This leads to those with disabilities being hidden, instead of helped.

"Through mountaineering, I plan to raise awareness about disabilities not only in Nepal, but around the world, it's about conquering dreams, inspiring and changing perceptions," Magar explains.

Raj Sharma, owner of Annapurna Nepalese Restaurant, says: "It is a privilege to have had Hari visit us and talk to our customers about his life and creating a meaningful future in the face of extreme adversity.

"He is an inspiration to us all."

Raj Sharma and his team at Annapurna Nepalese Restaurant meet Hari Budha Magar (credit: Image supplied).

The lunch provided by Sharma and his team was inspired by the restaurant's new Nepalese Street Food lunchtime menu (Thursday-Sunday, 12-3pm) and Gurkha Beer which provided refreshments for all to enjoy.

In total, the lunch raised £510 for the Gurkha Welfare Trust, a charity that enables Gurkha veterans, their families and wider communities to live their lives with dignity in Nepal through the provision of financial, medical and development aid.

Annapurna Nepalese Restaurant is an independent Nepalese restaurant located at 199 Upper Richmond Road West in East Sheen, London SW14.

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Annapurna has been serving traditional Nepalese food to customer for over 10 years and recently opened for lunch from Thursday to Sunday with a special Nepalese Street Food menu.

To find out more visit its website here.

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