Nirmal Purja MBE, known as Nims to those close to him, was a former Gurkha, Special Forces operative and record-breaking mountaineer. He served in the UK military for 16 years, including 10 years in the secretive world of the UK Special Forces. As a former Special Forces operator, he repeatedly placed himself in harm’s way while defending the freedoms we enjoy. Nims was also an expert speaker on motivation and resilience.

After leaving the Armed Forces in early 2019, Nims became the first mountaineer to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in under seven months. This vast and unprecedented undertaking propelled him into the international spotlight and was documented in the extraordinarily successful Netflix film 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.

In just six months and six days, Nims completed the challenge he named “Project Possible”, shattering the previous record of almost eight years and securing his place in mountaineering history. He also held six further world records:

Most 8,000-metre mountains climbed during the spring season, with six summits.
Most 8,000-metre mountains climbed during the summer season, with five summits.
Fastest ascent of the world’s three highest mountains: Everest, K2 and Kanchenjunga.
Fastest ascent of the world’s five highest mountains: Everest, K2, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu.
Fastest ascent of the lower 8,000-metre peaks: Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II and Broad Peak.
Fastest consecutive ascent of the higher 8,000-metre peaks, summiting Everest, Lhotse and Makalu in 48 hours and breaking his own previous record of five days.

Through his extraordinary physiology, rigorous training, unwavering mindset and deep humanity, Nirmal Purja achieved feats that had previously seemed beyond the reach of even the most experienced climbers. He went on to lead climbing expeditions around the world and inspire audiences through his experiences, demonstrating how mindset, focus, preparation and determination could help people achieve what once appeared impossible.

Nims leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of courage, resilience and human potential. His achievements transformed the world of high-altitude mountaineering and inspired countless people to believe that nothing was impossible.