Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, served in the British Army for 15 years before losing both his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2010. Despite facing adversity, Hari’s primary goal has been to motivate others that overcoming life’s challenges is achievable.
Leading by example, the 46-year-old Hari became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest. He is now only two mountains away from completing the feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents by January 2026.
When Hari received a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, he expressed his joy and honor. His main aim has always been to climb mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.
Although Hari had explored mountains worldwide, he had never experienced a cruise holiday. However, P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, surprised all winners, including Hari, with a cruise vacation for the entire family.
Embarking on a journey to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Iona in spring, Hari and his family spent a week ashore exploring the breathtaking landscapes. Their experience included riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven, enjoying the stunning views, and visiting the fjord village of Olden.
Hari cherished celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a family dinner at Epicurean on board, creating unforgettable memories. He also shared his inspirational story with fellow passengers, receiving overwhelming support and recognition.
Having thoroughly enjoyed his time at sea, Hari expressed his desire to plan future cruise vacations, praising the accessibility and friendliness onboard. Encouraging others with mobility concerns to embark on a cruise, he emphasized the importance of being open to assistance and enjoying the journey.