Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha originally from Nepal who dedicated 15 years of service to the British Army, faced a life-altering event when he lost both his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan back in 2010.
Despite the challenges he encountered, Hari’s primary goal has been to motivate others by demonstrating that no obstacle is too great to overcome in life. Leading by example, the 46-year-old became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest and is now on the verge of completing the feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents by January 2026.
Grateful and honored, Hari expressed his delight upon receiving a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards. His focus remains on mountain climbing and raising awareness about disabilities.
While Hari has extensively traveled the globe climbing mountains, he had never embarked on a cruise ship voyage. However, P&O Cruises, the newly appointed headline sponsor for the awards, pleasantly surprised all winners with a cruise vacation.
The unexpected holiday thrilled Hari, a father of three children aged 12 to 29, as it provided an opportunity for his entire family to experience a cruise holiday for the first time. Sailing to the Norwegian Fjords in the spring, the family relished a week exploring the stunning landscapes and amenities offered by the cruise ship Iona.
During their cruise, the family enjoyed various onshore activities, including riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven, experiencing the breathtaking views, and exploring the fjords. Hari particularly cherished the train journey to the picturesque village of Olden, known for its natural beauty.
The family made the most of the ship’s facilities, such as the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa, and even participated in Celebration Night activities. Hari fondly recalls celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a special dinner at Epicurean.
Furthermore, Hari took the opportunity to share his inspiring journey with fellow passengers on board Iona, receiving positive feedback and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Despite his love for the mountains, Hari discovered a newfound appreciation for the sea during his cruise experience and looks forward to planning future cruise holidays. He commended the ship’s wheelchair accessibility, encouraging others in similar situations to embark on a cruise without hesitation, emphasizing the friendly and accommodating nature of the crew and fellow passengers.