Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, dedicated 15 years of service to the British Army before losing both of his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan back in 2010.
However, instead of being consumed by his own adversities, Hari has since devoted himself to motivating others that any obstacle can be overcome, regardless of life’s challenges.
Leading by example, Hari, aged 46, achieved the remarkable feat of being the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He is now only two mountains away from being the first to ascend the tallest peaks on all seven continents, a goal he aims to achieve by January 2026.
When Hari was honored with a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, he expressed his immense joy, stating, “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor.”
“I simply wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability,” Hari added.
Despite his global mountaineering escapades, Hari had never experienced a cruise ship voyage until P&O Cruises, the new primary partner for the awards, surprised him and the other winners with a cruise holiday.
“It was an unexpected and incredible experience,” shared the married father of three children, aged 12 to 29. “The holiday was a family affair, and since we had never been on a cruise before, it provided us with the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together and engage in new experiences.”
Embarking on a journey to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Iona in the spring, the family relished a week exploring the majestic landscapes ashore and indulging in the amenities offered by the ship.
“We were pleasantly surprised by the ample time spent on land during the cruise holiday. We explored the fjords, rode cable cars up mountains, and immersed ourselves in the breathtaking scenery,” Hari shared.
A highlight of the trip was ascending Mount Hoven near Olden via the Loen Skylift, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, offering panoramic views across Nordfjord.
Hari particularly cherished the train ride to the picturesque fjord village of Olden, renowned for its lush valleys, towering peaks, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls.
Recounting the memorable experience, Hari mentioned, “We made the most of the onboard facilities as well, from the cinema and swimming pools to the whirlpool spa. Dressing up for Celebration Night was a delightful experience, and even after a week, we couldn’t explore everything the ship had to offer.”
A standout moment for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a family dinner at Epicurean, featuring a six-course meal and a special birthday cake.
Eager to give back, Hari shared his inspiring journey with fellow guests on board Iona, receiving warm reception and engaging with many individuals intrigued by his story.
Despite his affinity for the mountains, Hari discovered a newfound love for the sea during the cruise, expressing his desire to plan another maritime adventure in the future.
Reflecting on his cruise experience, he commended the wheelchair accessibility throughout the ship, encouraging others with mobility concerns to embark on a similar journey, emphasizing the accommodating and friendly nature of the crew and fellow passengers.