Hari Budha Magar, a Nepalese Gurkha who served in the British Army for 15 years, suffered the loss of both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2010. Rather than focusing on his own challenges, Hari’s primary goal has been to motivate others that overcoming obstacles is achievable regardless of life’s adversities.
Leading by example, Hari, aged 46, made history as the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He is now only two summits away from being the first person to scale the highest peaks on all seven continents, aiming to finish this remarkable feat by January 2026.
Upon receiving a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, Hari expressed his immense joy, considering it a significant honor. “I was absolutely thrilled,” he shared. “It was truly an honor. I simply wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.”
Despite his global mountain-scaling adventures, Hari had never embarked on a cruise ship journey before. However, P&O Cruises, now the awards’ headline partner, surprised all winners with a cruise holiday this year.
“It was an unexpected and amazing experience,” mentioned Hari, a father of three children aged 12 to 29. “The cruise wasn’t just for me; it was a family trip. We had never been on a cruise before, and with my busy schedule, it was an ideal opportunity for us to spend quality time together trying new things.”
Embarking on a spring journey to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Iona, the family relished a week exploring on land and enjoying the ship’s amenities. Hari mentioned, “We initially thought we wouldn’t have much time on land during a cruise holiday, but we had ample time exploring ashore, including taking cable cars up mountains and exploring the fjords.”
One highlight was riding the Loen Skylift to the summit of Mount Hoven near Olden, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, offering breathtaking views of Nordfjord. “The Skylift was an incredible experience,” Hari recalled. “There was snow at the top, and we had fun playing in it. The glass-floored lookout was both scary and exciting.”
Additionally, Hari cherished the train journey to the picturesque village of Olden, renowned for its lush landscapes and natural beauty. “It was perfect for me, especially for those with mobility issues or who prefer shorter walks,” he mentioned.
Reflecting on their cruise activities, Hari shared, “We made the most of the ship’s amenities, including the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. Dressing up for Celebration Night was a fantastic experience. Even after a week, we couldn’t do everything!”
One particularly special memory for Hari was celebrating his daughter’s birthday onboard with a family dinner at Epicurean, featuring a six-course meal and a birthday cake. “That was truly memorable and special,” he emphasized.
Onboard the Iona, Hari took the opportunity to inspire fellow guests by sharing his inspirational journey. “I wanted to give back for all we received. I gave a talk, and it was a fulfilling experience. Many people approached us afterward, recognizing us and engaging in conversations around the ship.”
Although Hari is accustomed to mountain terrains, he discovered a newfound love for the sea. “We’re considering planning another cruise in the future,” he revealed. Praising the ship’s wheelchair accessibility, he remarked, “There wasn’t anywhere I couldn’t go onboard. Initially, I worried about accessibility during my recovery, but on the cruise, everything was accessible. I’d encourage others in similar situations to just go for it. People were welcoming, and with kindness and seeking assistance, everything worked out well.”