Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal with a 15-year service in the British Army, faced the loss of both legs due to an IED explosion in Afghanistan back in 2010. Instead of focusing on his own adversities, Hari has made it his life’s mission to inspire others that overcoming challenges is possible regardless of circumstances.
Leading by example, Hari, aged 46, achieved the remarkable feat of being the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest and is now only two mountains away from accomplishing the challenge of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents by January 2026. His recognition with a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards was a moment of immense honor and joy for him.
Expressing his delight, Hari shared, “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor. I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
Despite his extensive mountain climbing experiences worldwide, Hari had never ventured on a cruise ship until recently. P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, pleasantly surprised all winners including Hari with a cruise holiday.
Hari, a devoted father of three children aged 12 to 29, expressed his unexpected joy, “It was just amazing, and not something I was expecting at all. And the holiday wasn’t just for me, it was a trip for the whole family. We had never been on a cruise holiday before. I’m very busy going everywhere, so it was perfect for us to spend time together and do things we’ve never done before.”
Embarking on a journey to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Iona cruise ship in spring, Hari and his family relished a week exploring the stunning landscapes ashore and enjoying the diverse offerings of the vessel.
The family savored various activities to immerse themselves in the breathtaking vistas of mountains, glaciers, and fjords, reveling in shared experiences. A highlight was their ride on the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven near Olden, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, offering awe-inspiring views across Nordfjord.
Additionally, Hari cherished the train excursion to the picturesque fjord village of Olden, known for its lush valleys, mountain peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls. The family also made the most of onboard facilities like the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa, culminating in a memorable Celebration Night.
One of the standout moments for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a special family dinner at Epicurean on the ship, marked by a six-course meal and a birthday cake. Taking the opportunity to inspire others, Hari shared his motivational story with fellow guests aboard Iona, drawing positive responses and interactions.
Despite his mountain affinity, Hari found a newfound love for the sea during the cruise, hinting at future holiday plans. Praising the ship’s wheelchair accessibility, he encouraged others with mobility concerns to embrace the cruise experience, emphasizing the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and fellow passengers.