Gurkha veteran and mountaineer Hari Budha Magar enjoyed a new type of adventure on the Norwegian Fjords, following a surprise gift at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards
Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha from Nepal who served with the British Army for 15 years, lost both of his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2010.
But rather than dwell on his own misfortunes, Hari’s mission ever since has been to inspire others that anything is possible, no matter what challenges you face in life.
And he has led by example. Hari, 46, was the first above-the-knee amputee to climb Everest, and is two mountains shy of becoming the first to scale the highest peaks on all seven continents – a challenge he hopes to complete by January 2026.
When Hari won a Special Recognition Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards, he was understandably thrilled.
“I was absolutely delighted,” he says. “It was such an honour.
“I just wanted to climb mountains and raise awareness about disability.”
While Hari has travelled the world scaling mountains, he had never taken to the sea on a cruise ship.
But P&O Cruises – from this year the new headline partner for the awards – surprised each of the winners with a cruise holiday.
“It was just amazing, and not something I was expecting at all,” says the married father of three childen aged 12 to 29.
“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.”
Setting sail for the Norwegian Fjords in spring, the family enjoyed a week exploring ashore and making the most of everything Iona has to offer.
“We expected that on a cruise holiday you might not spend much time on land, but we had so much time ashore, taking cable cars up mountains and exploring the fjords,” Hari says.
The family enjoyed finding new ways to explore the staggering scenery of mountains, glaciers, and fjords and were delighted at how many options they could all enjoy together.
Riding the Loen Skylift to the top of Mount Hoven near the port of Olden – and one of the steepest cable cars in the world – was a highlight, thanks to the incredible views it offers across Nordfjord.
“The Skylift was an amazing experience,” says Hari. “There was snowfall at the top and we enjoyed playing in the snow. There was also a bar and a lookout with a glass floor, which was scary but fun.”
Hari also loved taking the train to the fjord village of Olden, famed for its lush valleys, mountain peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls.
“We could stop in different spots,” he explains. “And for anyone with mobility problems or who doesn’t want to walk for too long it’s ideal. It was perfect for me.
“We tried to do as much as we could on the ship as well. We experienced the cinema, the swimming pools and the whirlpool spa. We also dressed up for Celebration Night, which was really great. Over a whole week we still didn’t have time to do it all!”
One of Hari’s favourite memories is celebrating his daughter’s birthday.
“P&O Cruises booked us a family dinner on board at Epicurean. It was a six-course meal and they presented a birthday cake as well. That was so special.”
Hari also took the chance to share his inspirational story with guests on board Iona.
“We were given so much, I wanted to give back, so I did a talk and was happy to do it,” he says. “There were so many people there, and afterwards they queued up to talk to me and my family. They would recognise us and talk to us when they saw us around the ship.”
While Hari is at home in the mountains, he found that he loved being at sea.
“We’re hoping to plan another cruise holiday in the future.”
Full of praise for his experience on board, he adds, “The ship is all wheelchair accessible and there wasn’t anywhere I couldn’t go on board.
“During the initial part of my recovery, I was always worried about where I was going and whether it would be accessible.
“I imagine others in a similar position might think that about a cruise, but I would say just do it. Once you start, you always find a way. People were really friendly.
“I would say be nice, ask for help and you’ll be fine.”