After serving in the British Army for 15 years, Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha from Nepal, faced a life-altering event when he lost both legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2010. However, instead of succumbing to despair, Hari has dedicated himself to inspiring others that overcoming any obstacle is achievable.

Leading by example, the 46-year-old Hari became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest and is now just two summits away from achieving the remarkable feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents by January 2026. Recognized with a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, Hari expressed his immense gratitude for the honor, emphasizing his mission to raise awareness about disabilities through his mountain-climbing endeavors.

Despite his extensive travels scaling mountains worldwide, Hari had never experienced a cruise vacation. P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, pleasantly surprised each recipient with a cruise holiday, providing Hari and his family with an unforgettable adventure. Sailing to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Iona, the family relished a week exploring the stunning landscapes and indulging in various onboard activities.

Their cruise included memorable excursions like riding the Loen Skylift to the summit of Mount Hoven, offering breathtaking views of Nordfjord, and visiting the picturesque fjord village of Olden. Hari especially cherished celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a lavish family dinner at Epicurean onboard, creating lasting memories.

Imparting his inspirational journey to fellow passengers onboard, Hari received overwhelming support and admiration, solidifying his desire to embark on future cruise holidays. Reflecting on his accessible and enjoyable experience on the ship, Hari encourages others with physical challenges to embrace cruise vacations, emphasizing the accommodating facilities and friendly atmosphere that make cruising a delightful and inclusive option for all travelers.