Hari Budha Magar, a Nepalese Gurkha who served in the British Army for 15 years, lost both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan back in 2010. Instead of dwelling on his own hardships, Hari has made it his mission to inspire others that no challenge is insurmountable in life.
Setting an example through his actions, Hari, aged 46, became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest and is now just two peaks away from achieving the milestone of scaling the highest summits on all seven continents by January 2026.
Upon receiving a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, Hari expressed his immense joy and gratitude. “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor,” he remarked. “I simply wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disabilities.”
Despite his global mountaineering adventures, Hari had never experienced a cruise vacation until P&O Cruises, the new primary sponsor of the awards, surprised all winners with a cruise getaway.
Expressing his surprise and appreciation, Hari, a married father of three ranging from 12 to 29 years old, shared, “It was truly amazing and unexpected. The holiday wasn’t just for me but for the whole family. We had never been on a cruise before, and it was a perfect opportunity to spend quality time together and try new things.”
Embarking on a voyage to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the ship Iona in the spring, the family relished a week exploring the stunning landscapes ashore and indulging in the ship’s offerings.
“We had anticipated spending less time on land during a cruise, but we were thrilled to explore ashore extensively, from cable car rides up mountains to fjord explorations,” Hari recounted. One of the highlights was riding the Loen Skylift to the summit of Mount Hoven near Olden, providing breathtaking views of Nordfjord.
Sharing another cherished moment, Hari mentioned celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a family dinner at Epicurean, organized by P&O Cruises. “It was a six-course meal, and they even presented a birthday cake. It was incredibly special.”
Reflecting on his cruise experience, Hari expressed his love for being at sea and his desire to plan future cruise holidays. He praised the accessibility of the ship, emphasizing that it was wheelchair-friendly and welcoming to all guests.
Encouraging others with mobility challenges to consider a cruise vacation, Hari shared, “Don’t hesitate, just go for it. Once you start, you always find a way. People were really friendly. Be kind, ask for help, and you’ll have a great time.”