Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha veteran from Nepal who served in the British Army for 15 years, faced a life-altering event when he lost both his legs in an IED explosion during his service in Afghanistan in 2010. Instead of succumbing to his personal tragedy, Hari has dedicated himself to motivating others that no challenge is insurmountable in life.
Setting an extraordinary example, Hari, aged 46, achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He is now only two mountains away from accomplishing the unprecedented goal of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, aiming to finish this challenge by January 2026.
Receiving a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards was a moment of immense joy for Hari. Expressing his gratitude, he shared, “I was absolutely delighted. It was such an honor. I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
Despite his extensive mountain-climbing experiences worldwide, Hari had never embarked on a cruise adventure. However, P&O Cruises, the new headline partner for the awards, pleasantly surprised all winners, including Hari, with a cruise holiday for each recipient and their families.
Reflecting on this unexpected gift, Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 29, expressed his delight, saying, “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 spring journey to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the luxurious cruise ship Iona, Hari’s family enjoyed a week exploring the stunning landscapes both on land and at sea. From riding the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven to exploring the picturesque village of Olden, every moment was filled with awe-inspiring experiences for the family.
Sharing his favorite memories, Hari mentioned celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a special family dinner at Epicurean on board the ship. Imparting his inspiring story to fellow guests on the cruise, Hari was overwhelmed by the positive reception and encounters with people who were moved by his journey.
Despite his comfort in the mountains, Hari discovered a newfound love for the seas during the cruise, expressing his desire to plan another cruise holiday in the future. Praising the accessibility and inclusivity of the ship, Hari encouraged others with disabilities to embrace such experiences, emphasizing the friendly atmosphere and willingness of people to offer assistance.