Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal with a 15-year service record in the British Army, faced a life-altering event when he lost both his legs in a devastating IED blast in Afghanistan back in 2010.
Rather than succumb to his personal tragedy, Hari has devoted himself to motivating others by demonstrating that any obstacle can be overcome with determination. Setting an extraordinary example, the 46-year-old became the first individual with above-the-knee amputations to conquer Mount Everest. He is now on the verge of achieving a remarkable feat – scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, with a target completion date of January 2026.
Recognized with a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, Hari expressed his joy, saying, “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor. I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
Despite his extensive global mountaineering adventures, Hari had never experienced a cruise trip until P&O Cruises, the new primary sponsor of the awards, surprised all winners with a cruise vacation.
Expressing his surprise, Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 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.”
Embarking on a voyage to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Iona in spring, the family relished a week exploring the stunning landscapes onshore and making the most of the ship’s amenities.
Hari recounted their shore adventures, including riding the Loen Skylift to the peak of Mount Hoven, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, which offered breathtaking views of Nordfjord. The family also savored the scenic train journey to Olden, renowned for its valleys, peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls.
Reflecting on their cruise experience, Hari mentioned enjoying various ship activities like the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. He cherished celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a family dinner at Epicurean, featuring a six-course meal and a special birthday cake.
Grateful for the inclusive nature of the cruise ship, Hari emphasized that the entire ship was wheelchair accessible, providing him with a sense of freedom and ease of movement. Encouraging others with mobility challenges to consider a cruise holiday, he concluded, “People were really friendly. I would say be nice, ask for help and you’ll be fine.”