Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha veteran from Nepal who served in the British Army for 15 years, lost both of his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan back in 2010.
Rather than focusing on his personal tragedies, Hari has dedicated himself to motivating others that no challenge is insurmountable in life.
Setting an example, Hari, aged 46, became the first above-the-knee amputee to conquer Mount Everest. He is now only two mountains away from achieving the feat of scaling the highest peaks on all seven continents, a goal he aims to accomplish by January 2026.
Upon receiving a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, Hari expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, “It was such an honor. I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
Despite his global mountaineering adventures, Hari had never experienced a cruise holiday until recently. P&O Cruises, the new headline sponsor of the awards, surprised all the winners with a cruise vacation.
Hari, a married father of three children aged 12 to 29, shared his excitement about the unexpected family trip, saying, “It was amazing, and not something I anticipated. The holiday was for the whole family, and since we had never been on a cruise before, it was a perfect opportunity for us to bond and explore new experiences together.”
Embarking on a journey to the Norwegian Fjords aboard the ship Iona in the spring, the family relished a week exploring the stunning landscapes onshore and enjoying the amenities the cruise ship offered.
Hari reminisced about their adventures ashore, including riding the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven and marveling at the breathtaking views of Nordfjord. He particularly enjoyed the train ride to the picturesque village of Olden, known for its scenic beauty and accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
The family made the most of their time on the ship, indulging in activities like visiting the cinema, swimming pools, and whirlpool spa. Hari fondly remembered celebrating his daughter’s birthday with a special family dinner arranged by P&O Cruises.
Grateful for the inclusive environment aboard Iona, Hari expressed his desire to plan future cruise holidays, emphasizing the wheelchair accessibility and the friendly atmosphere that made his experience stress-free.
Encouraging others facing similar challenges to embark on a cruise adventure, Hari advised, “Just do it. Once you start, you always find a way. People were really friendly. Be nice, ask for help, and you’ll be fine.”