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Prince Harry launches the Khumbu Challenge 09

4th November 2008

Prince Harry has been at Devonport Naval Base in Plymouth to launch a challenge for wounded members of the armed forces to climb to Mount Everest base camp.

At the launch the Prince, who is the expedition's royal patron, promised to buy Plymouth war hero Ben McBean "a beer" after the double amputee reached the top of a climbing wall.

The Royal Marine, who lost an arm and a leg in Afghanistan, is hoping to take part in Exercise Khumbu Challenge.

The Ministry of Defence said places on the challenge will be offered to individuals injured in conflict to give them an opportunity to "enhance their rehabilitation programmes" and put them back in a military environment.

About 90 personnel will undertake various challenges in the Khumbu region of Nepal in October and November next year.

Mr McBean was praised by Prince Harry as "the real hero" after the two returned together from service in Afghanistan in February.

The 21-year-old was one of five climbers at the launch and as he attempted to scale the 18ft wall, Prince Harry called out: "No pressure Ben, I'll buy you a beer if you reach the top."

After his climb, Mr McBean, who will take part in the London Marathon next year as part of his training, said: "He owes me a pint so I'll be getting that one."

Mr McBean said he is looking forward to the Everest challenge, adding: "I feel that I can do it. First I had to start walking, now that's nothing new and I want something more challenging. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Exercise Khumbu Challenge will involve five teams drawn from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, including those who suffered injury or trauma in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The "adventure training" is designed to test the personnel in the "toughest conditions", an MoD spokesman said.

After watching a climbing demonstration, Prince Harry, who is Commodore-in-Chief Small Ships and Diving, then met the expedition organisers and signed flags which will be flown at Everest base camp.

The expedition will see five teams attempt a number of climbs around the world's highest peak.

A main team of 12 to 16 experienced climbers will attempt Gokyo Ri, Lobuche East and the 6,812 metre peak Ama Dablam.

A High Altitude Development Team, consisting of 12 to 16 less experienced climbers, will undertake an ascent of Island Peak, Pokalde and Lobuche East.

There will then be three junior teams, consisting of 20 trekkers each and including five to seven injured personnel, who will trek to Everest base camp and attempt to climb Kala Pattar.

The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathan Band, said: "Some of these men have had some tough luck serving their country doing what they can in the war.

"Now they will be facing this huge mountain, I wish them all the best."

After a private meeting with Royal Navy personnel, Prince Harry left the launch in an all terrain heavily armoured Jackal personnel carrier which are currently being used in Afghanistan.