Namaste and welcome to our justgiving page! 

On the 26th of May, Dad and I are taking one giganticstep for jogging-kind and running the Edinburgh Marathon. Yikes!

The Gurkha Welfare Trust is a charity close to both of our hearts.  Dad has spent many years during his army career working alongside Gurkha soldiers. Serving 3 tours (8 1/2 years) with the Queen's own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, in Hong Kong, Colchester and Aldershot.  Eventually taking command of the Regiment between May 2006 and December 2008. Throughout these years and the large majority of my childhood, I've also been fortunate enough to spend time with Dad's Gurkha colleagues and their families.  The friends we made, we have kept to this day, and therefore could think of no better cause to dedicate our marathon run to.  

If you haven't heard of the Gurkha welfare trust, have a read of their mission statement: 

"The Gurkha Welfare Trust aims to provide welfare to enable Gurkha ex-servicemen and their dependants to live out their lives with dignity, primarily in Nepal but increasingly in UK and elsewhere."

The Trust supports more than 8,100 retired Gurkha soldiers and widows in Nepal who have no other form of income. Most are in their 80s and 90s and are totally reliant on the Trust for a secure and comfortable old age. The Trust also provides Community Aid projects in Gurkha villages.

Increasing numbers of Gurkhas are settling in the UK and the Trust is ready to respond. As the lead charity for Gurkha welfare, the Trust has a coordinating role for helping those in need in the UK and other service charities. However, the Trust's firm focus remains Nepal and the 8,100 veterans who will spend their final days in the mountain villages.

If you'd like to read more about the nature of the Charity and the Gurkha's themselves, here is a link to the website: http://www.gwt.org.uk/ 

We hope you agree that this is a cause worth donating to! 

Dhanybhad 

(Thank you)