Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, served in the British Army for 15 years before losing both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2010. Despite facing adversity, Hari’s primary goal has been to motivate others by demonstrating that overcoming challenges is possible.
Setting an example, Hari, aged 46, became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest and is now only two mountains away from achieving the feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, a personal challenge he aims to accomplish by January 2026. His remarkable journey was acknowledged with a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, a moment that filled him with immense pride and honor.
Expressing his gratitude, Hari stated, “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor. I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.” Despite his global mountain-scaling adventures, Hari had never embarked on a cruise ship journey until P&O Cruises, the new main partner for the awards, surprised all the winners with a cruise vacation.
Thrilled by the unexpected gesture, 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. We had never been on a cruise holiday before. I’m very busy going everywhere, so it was perfect for us to spend time together and do things we’ve never done before.”
Embarking on a voyage to the Norwegian Fjords in spring aboard the Iona, the family relished a week exploring the picturesque landscapes and taking full advantage of the ship’s amenities. Highlighting their adventures, Hari mentioned their thrilling ride on the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven, offering breathtaking views of Nordfjord and a snowy wonderland at the top.
The family also cherished their visit to the scenic village of Olden by train and engaged in various onboard activities such as movie nights, swimming, and spa relaxation. Hari particularly treasured celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a special dinner at Epicurean, where they indulged in a six-course meal and a birthday cake.
Grateful for the accessible facilities on board Iona, Hari shared his inspirational story with fellow passengers and expressed his desire to plan future cruise holidays. Emphasizing the wheelchair-friendly environment and the accommodating nature of the crew, he encouraged others with disabilities to embrace cruise experiences without hesitation, emphasizing the importance of seeking assistance and maintaining a positive outlook throughout the journey.
