Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, served in the British Army for 15 years before losing both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2010. Despite facing this adversity, Hari’s primary goal has been to motivate others by showcasing that anything is achievable, regardless of life’s challenges.
Setting a remarkable example, Hari, aged 46, became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest and is now only two peaks away from completing the challenge of scaling the highest summits on all seven continents by January 2026. His noteworthy achievements were recognized when he received a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards.
Reflecting on the honor, Hari expressed his delight, stating, “It was such an honor. I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.” While Hari has extensively traveled to climb mountains worldwide, he had never experienced a cruise ship journey until P&O Cruises, the new principal partner for the awards, surprised all winners with a cruise holiday.
Thrilled by this unexpected gesture, Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 29, shared, “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 traveling everywhere, so it was a perfect opportunity for us to spend quality time together and engage in new experiences.”
Embarking on a voyage to explore the Norwegian Fjords in spring aboard the Iona ship, the family relished a week of onshore excursions and indulged in the amenities offered. Hari remarked, “We had so much time ashore, taking cable cars up mountains and exploring the fjords.”
One of the highlights was riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven near Olden, known for its breathtaking views across Nordfjord. Hari described the experience as amazing, with snowfall at the peak and the thrill of a lookout with a glass floor.
Sharing another memorable experience, Hari mentioned visiting the picturesque fjord village of Olden, ideal for individuals with mobility challenges. Despite the exciting adventures on land, the family also enjoyed the ship’s facilities such as the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. Hari cherished celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a special family dinner on board.
Keen on giving back, Hari shared his inspiring journey with fellow passengers aboard Iona, receiving overwhelming support and positive feedback. Pleased with the wheelchair accessibility on the ship, Hari encouraged others facing similar concerns to embark on a cruise, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere and willingness to assist.
Looking forward to future cruise holidays, Hari concluded, “Once you start, you always find a way. People were really friendly. I would say be nice, ask for help, and you’ll be fine.”