Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, proudly served in the British Army for 15 years until a life-altering event in 2010 left him without both legs due to an IED explosion in Afghanistan.
However, rather than succumb to self-pity, Hari’s unwavering mission has been to motivate others by exemplifying that any obstacle can be overcome with determination and resilience.
Leading by example, the 46-year-old Hari achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He now stands merely two mountains away from clinching the title of being the first person to ascend the highest peaks on all seven continents, a challenge he aims to accomplish by January 2026.
His exceptional efforts and unwavering spirit were recognized when he received a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, a moment that filled him with immense pride and gratitude.
Expressing his joy, Hari remarked, “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor. I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
Despite his global mountain-scaling adventures, Hari had never embarked on a cruise ship journey until P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, surprised all winners, including Hari, with a luxurious cruise holiday.
Thrilled by the unexpected gesture, Hari, a devoted father of three children aged between 12 and 29, shared, “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.”
Venturing to the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords aboard the magnificent Iona in spring, Hari and his family relished a week filled with onshore explorations and indulging in the vast array of activities the cruise ship had to offer.
Reflecting on their experience, Hari expressed, “We expected that on a cruise holiday you might not spend much time on land, but we had so much time ashore, taking cable cars up mountains and exploring the fjords.”
The family savored innovative ways to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and fjords, reveling in shared experiences such as riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven’s summit, which offers panoramic views of Nordfjord.
Hari particularly cherished the train journey to the scenic village of Olden, renowned for its verdant valleys, towering peaks, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls. He emphasized, “We could stop in different spots. And for anyone with mobility problems or who doesn’t want to walk for too long, it’s ideal. It was perfect for me.”
Their cruise experience also included enjoying onboard amenities like the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa, culminating in a memorable Celebration Night where they dressed up for the occasion.
The highlight of the trip for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a lavish family dinner at Epicurean, featuring a sumptuous six-course meal and a special birthday cake.
Passionate about sharing his inspirational journey, Hari seized the opportunity to engage with fellow guests on board Iona, delivering a motivational talk and warmly interacting with those who approached him and his family.
Despite his mountain affinity, Hari discovered a newfound love for the sea, hinting at future cruise holiday plans. Praising the accessibility of the ship for wheelchair users, he encouraged others with mobility concerns to embark on a cruise, emphasizing the friendly and accommodating nature of the crew and fellow passengers.
Summing up his enriching cruise experience, Hari expressed, “The ship is all wheelchair accessible, and there wasn’t anywhere I couldn’t go on board. During the initial part of my recovery, I was always worried about where I was going and whether it would be accessible. I imagine others in a similar position might think that about a cruise, but I would say just do it. 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.”