Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha hailing from Nepal, dedicated 15 years of his life to the British Army before tragically losing both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan back in 2010. Despite facing such adversity, Hari’s primary mission has been to serve as an inspiration to others, emphasizing that any obstacle can be overcome with determination.
Setting a remarkable example, the 46-year-old Hari achieved the distinction of being the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He is now only two summits away from being the first individual to ascend the highest peaks on all seven continents, a goal he aims to accomplish by January 2026.
Receiving a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards brought immense joy to Hari. “I was absolutely thrilled,” he expressed. “It was a tremendous honor.”
Expressing his gratitude, Hari remarked, “I simply wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
While Hari had ventured across the globe scaling mountains, a cruise adventure had not been on his itinerary until P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, surprised all winners with a cruise holiday.
Reflecting on this unexpected gift, Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 29, shared, “It was truly amazing and totally unexpected. The holiday was not just for me but for the entire family.”
Embarking on a journey to the stunning Norwegian Fjords in spring aboard the luxurious Iona, the family relished a week exploring onshore and indulging in the ship’s offerings.
“We anticipated spending less time ashore during the cruise, but we had ample time to explore, taking cable car rides up mountains and admiring the fjords,” Hari recounted.
One of the family’s highlights was riding the Loen Skylift to the peak of Mount Hoven near Olden. Hari described the experience as “amazing,” with snowfall at the summit, playful moments in the snow, and the thrill of a glass-floored lookout.
Hari cherished the train journey to the picturesque fjord village of Olden, known for its breathtaking landscapes. “We had the flexibility to stop at various points, making it ideal for those with mobility constraints,” he explained.
Reveling in the ship’s amenities, the family immersed themselves in activities such as cinema screenings, swimming, and relaxing at the whirlpool spa. Hari particularly enjoyed dressing up for Celebration Night and creating lasting memories with his loved ones.
The camaraderie onboard extended to Hari sharing his inspiring narrative with fellow passengers. “I felt a desire to give back, so I held a talk, and the response was overwhelming,” he shared.
Despite his affinity for mountains, Hari discovered a newfound love for the sea during the cruise. He expressed his desire to plan future cruise holidays, praising the ship’s wheelchair accessibility and the warm hospitality he encountered.
Encouraging others in similar situations, Hari emphasized, “Just take the leap. Once you start, solutions present themselves. People are kind and willing to assist. Be open, seek help, and you’ll navigate smoothly.”