About Us

Our mission

We ensure that Gurkha veterans, their widows and their wider communities are able to live with dignity. We achieve this primarily through the provision of financial, medical and community aid in Nepal.

We operate through 22 Area Welfare Centres spread across traditional Gurkha recruiting areas. In the UK, in conjunction with other service charities and government bodies we offer advice and support to help the thousands of retired Gurkhas and their families who choose to settle here.

Enter to help Gurkha veterans like Kharka Bahadur

Kharka Bahadur Sunuwar was recruited in the 10th Gurkha Rifles in November 1952. His military service took him to various countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, Colombo, and Hong Kong, experiences that shaped his youth and identity as a proud Gurkha soldier.

Although he did not take part in major wars, he and his battalion frequently faced bandits and were sent on ambush operations. He recalls using Tommy guns, a Bren gun, and various rifles, and undergoing intense jungle warfare training.

“We trained hard in the forests and even worked along pipelines. It was tough, but we were proud Gurkhas,” he says.

During his service, his family travelled with him to different postings. On one such journey, a heartbreaking incident changed his life forever. His wife gave birth in the vehicle, but tragically, their son did not survive. This left a deep scar in his heart. Saddened and disheartened, he eventually decided to leave the Army after ten years of service to be closer to his family.

Return to Nepal

Returning home was far from easy. Kharka lost his house in a fire and the land it was built on was later swept away by the river, leaving him homeless. Kharka worked as a guard and picked up any other work that he could to take care of his family.

In the midst of these hardships, a partially burned piece of his army certificate, signed by Her Majesty the Queen, became his lifeline. It helped him secure his welfare pension, ensuring some stability for his family.

Life for Kharka Bahadur Now

At 96 years old Kharka is a proud father of four sons and a grandfather to around twenty grandchildren, who bring him comfort and joy in his old age.

He lives with his wife Lal Maya and their eldest son and daughter-in-law in a home built by his son. Lal Maya suffers from paralysis on her left side, sees with only one eye, has dementia, and has a poor appetite. She requires assistance with all daily activities, including sitting upright.

Although Kharaka suffers from various health issues himself, including joint pain, cataracts, and poor hearing, he continues to care for his wife with great dedication. Whenever he goes out, he uses his pension to buy her the food she enjoys.

The couple are looked after by their daughter-in-law, who attends Home Carer Training delivered by The Gurkha Welfare Trust and applies what she has learned effectively. The team from our Area Welfare Centre in Bagmati visits the couple regularly to carry out medical checks, deliver medication and ensure that everyone is well.

“We are very happy that the Trust is looking after them. Without this support, things would have been very difficult for all of us. Thanks to the Trust, they are doing really well. Without such help, many families like ours would struggle.” Sirjana Sunwar, Daughter-in-law

Now, in his twilight years, Kharka looks back on his life with a sense of peace and gratitude. “After my house and land were gone, GWT helped me. I’m happy and grateful. I bless them and wish to live till 100 years,” he says with a gentle smile.

By entering this raffle, you are helping to provide this life-changing rehabilitation service for elderly Gurkha veterans and widows in Nepal. For 200 years they have fought for us – now, we fight for them.

For more information about our vital work in Nepal, please visit www.gwt.org.uk.