*UPDATE* - APOLOGIES FOR THE LATENESS IN OUR UPDATE REGARDING OUR CHARITY BIKE RIDE. JUST TO LET ALL OUR SUPPORTERS KNOW THAT WE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED OUR CHARITY BIKE RIDE. WE ENDED UP COVERING 140 MILES RATHER THAN THE INITIALLY PLANNED 125 MILES. THERE WERE A FEW HICCUPS ALONG THE WAY BUT WITH ALL THE SUPPORT AND TEAM WORK WE MANAGED TO REACH OUR DESTINATION. B-FEST CREW WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT AND DONATIONS.
Hi All,
B-Fest crew along with their friends and supporters are organizing and taking part in a bike ride from London to Bournemouth on the 30th of April and 1st of May, covering approximately 125 miles over 2 days. The main reason for inflicting such pain on oursleves by taking part in this grueling exercise is to raise some money to support the ex-gurkha servicemen who so loyally served the Crown for over 200 years and still counting!
Today, the Gurkhas remain an important part of the British Army. In more recent times, Gurkhas have served in the Falklands and Gulf Wars, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Peacekeeping missions have taken them to Kosovo, Bosnia, East Timor and Sierra Leone.
Along with their loyal support to the Crown, the Gurkhas have paved the way for the current young generation to a world of opportunities. If it was not for their courage, bravery and loyalty, us young Gurkhas would never have such great opportunities presented to us. Lets make the most of these opportunties.
Please show your support by making donations for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. The Gurkha Welfare Trust relieves poverty and distress amongst Gurkha ex-servicemen and their dependents through a range of financial, medical and community aid.
10 Facts about Gurkhas and the VC
1. The elderly father of Rifleman Lachiman Gurung VC was carried for 11 days from Nepal to Delhi to see his son decorated by His Excellency the Viceroy of India, Field Marshal Lord Wavell.
2. Enough metal remains from the Sebastopol cannon for 85 new Victoria Crosses. The famous metal is locked at Central Ordnance Depot, Donnington.
3. Unlike any other award for gallantry the VC is not made in a die nor struck but cast exclusively by Hancocks and Co, London.
4. 12 medals are made at one time with remaining stock held by the MOD. Thus, there has never been a VC made for a specific individual.
5. According to regimental sources, no photographs existed of Rifleman Thaman Gurung when he was awarded the VC posthumously. His officers asked men with similar features to pose for artists. Sketching continued until the Rifleman's comrades agreed the portrait was an accurate representation.
6. HM, Queen Victoria replaced the original words 'For Bravery' on the cross with 'For Valour'. 'For Bravery,' she said, 'would lead to the inference that only those are deemed brave who have got the Cross".
7. Rifleman Kulbir Thapa VC had never been under fire until the battle where he was awarded his Victoria Cross
8. Measuring less than five foot, Rifleman Lachiman Gurung would fail today's army selection criteria.
9. VC holder, Rifleman Ganju Lama's real name was Gyamsto. While not an ethnic Gurkha, the war effort welcomed all willing men. With a stroke of a clerk's pen, his name at enlistment and subsequent entry on honour rolls is Ganju, not Gyamtso.
10. During the relief of Lucknow in 1857, a record 24 VCs were awarded in one day.
Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
