Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha from Nepal who served in the British Army for 15 years, faced the loss of both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2010. However, rather than focusing on his own struggles, Hari has dedicated himself to motivating others that any obstacle can be overcome in life.
Setting a remarkable example, Hari, aged 46, achieved the feat of being the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest. He is now just two summits away from achieving the milestone of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, a challenge he aims to finish by January 2026.
Upon receiving a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, Hari expressed his immense joy, stating, “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor.” His main goal has always been to climb mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.
Despite his global mountain-climbing endeavors, Hari had never experienced a cruise ship journey. However, P&O Cruises, the new main sponsor for the awards, pleasantly surprised all winners with a cruise holiday.
Expressing his gratitude, Hari, a father of three children aged 12 to 29, shared, “The holiday was a wonderful surprise, not something I anticipated at all. It was a family trip, and we had never been on a cruise holiday before. As I am constantly on the move, it was a perfect opportunity for us to spend quality time together and engage in new activities.”
Embarking on a voyage to the Norwegian Fjords in the spring, Hari and his family relished a week of onshore exploration and indulged in the offerings of the Iona cruise ship.
Reflecting on their experience, Hari mentioned, “We had ample time on land during the cruise holiday. We explored the fjords, rode cable cars up mountains, and marveled at the magnificent scenery together.” One of the highlights included riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven near Olden, providing breathtaking views across Nordfjord.
Hari cherished moments like visiting the fjord village of Olden by train, renowned for its picturesque landscapes. Additionally, the family partook in various ship activities such as watching movies at the cinema, enjoying the pools, and dressing up for Celebration Night.
A particularly special memory for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a family dinner at Epicurean onboard, complete with a six-course meal and a birthday cake.
Eager to give back, Hari shared his inspirational journey with fellow passengers on Iona, receiving warmth and support from many. Despite his mountain roots, Hari discovered a newfound love for sea travel and expressed interest in planning future cruise holidays.
Praising the ship’s accessibility and the welcoming nature of the crew, Hari encouraged others with mobility concerns to embark on a cruise adventure, stating, “Just do it. Once you start, you always find a way. People were really friendly. Be kind, ask for assistance, and you’ll have a great time.”