Hari Budha Magar, a former Gurkha soldier from Nepal who served in the British Army for 15 years, lost both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2010. Instead of focusing on his own challenges, Hari has dedicated himself to motivating others that obstacles can be overcome.
Leading by example, the 46-year-old became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest and is just two peaks away from achieving the feat of scaling the highest mountains on all seven continents by January 2026. His efforts were recognized when he received a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards.
Expressing his joy, Hari stated, “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, Hari had never embarked on a cruise trip.
However, P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, pleasantly surprised all winners, including Hari, with a cruise vacation for the entire family. Sailing to the Norwegian Fjords in spring onboard the Iona ship, the family relished a week exploring the stunning landscapes ashore.
Hari shared, “We expected less time on land during a cruise, but we had ample shore excursions, including cable car rides up mountains and fjord explorations.” Riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven near Olden was a highlight for the family, offering breathtaking views across Nordfjord.
Delighted by the various family-friendly activities available, Hari added, “We enjoyed the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa on the ship. Dressing up for Celebration Night was a memorable experience. We still couldn’t cover all activities in a week!”
A cherished moment for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a family dinner at Epicurean aboard the ship. He also took the opportunity to inspire fellow travelers with his story during a talk on Iona.
Reflecting on his cruise experience, Hari expressed, “The ship’s wheelchair accessibility made it convenient for me to explore every corner. I encourage others with mobility concerns to take a cruise – just ask for help and be kind, and you’ll have a great time.”
Enthusiastic about the future, Hari mentioned, “We are looking forward to planning another cruise holiday soon.” His positive experience at sea has opened up new horizons for him, emphasizing the importance of embracing new adventures despite challenges.