Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha from Nepal who served in the British Army for 15 years, faced the loss of both his legs in a 2010 IED blast in Afghanistan. Despite this adversity, Hari’s primary goal has been to motivate others that overcoming challenges is achievable, regardless of life’s obstacles.
Leading by example, the 46-year-old Hari became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Everest. He is now just two peaks away from accomplishing the feat of scaling the highest summits on all seven continents, aiming to finish by January 2026.
Upon receiving a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, Hari expressed his elation. “I was absolutely thrilled,” he shared. “It was a tremendous honor. I simply wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
Despite his global mountain-climbing adventures, Hari had never embarked on a cruise ship journey. However, P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, surprised all winners with a cruise vacation.
“It was truly incredible and unexpected,” said Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 29. “The holiday was not just for me; it was a family trip. Since we had never been on a cruise before, it was a perfect opportunity for us to spend quality time together and engage in new experiences.”
Sailing to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the Iona in spring, the family relished a week exploring the stunning landscapes ashore and relishing all that Iona had to offer.
“We had anticipated spending less time on land during a cruise holiday, but we had ample time exploring ashore, taking cable cars up mountains, and discovering the fjords,” Hari remarked.
The family delighted in discovering new ways to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of mountains, glaciers, and fjords, relishing numerous activities they all enjoyed together. Riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven’s peak near Olden, one of the world’s steepest cable cars, was a standout experience, offering incredible views across Nordfjord.
Hari cherished taking the train to Olden, renowned for its lush valleys, mountain peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls. “We could hop off at various points, making it ideal for those with mobility issues or who prefer shorter walks. It was perfect for me,” he noted.
The family made the most of onboard activities such as the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. They even dressed up for Celebration Night, enjoying a memorable dining experience at Epicurean to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.
Hari also shared his inspirational journey with fellow passengers on Iona, offering a talk that was well-received. Reflecting on his sea experience, he expressed a desire to plan another cruise holiday in the future.
Impressed with the ship’s wheelchair accessibility, Hari encouraged others with similar concerns to embark on a cruise without hesitation. “Once you start, you always find a way. People were really friendly. Be courteous, seek assistance, and you’ll have a great time,” he concluded.