I am proud to have served with 6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles as a young officer 37 years ago. The experience of serving alongside these cheerful, hardy warriors left a lasting impression and walking Trailwalker again in July is a way of paying back a small part of the debt we owe them: 'bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had a country more faithful friends than you.'

I would be very grateful if you would sponsor me to complete 100 km across the South Downs with the Gurkha Burhos team in less than 30 hours. By doing so you will be making a real contribution to ex Gurkhas and their families in some of the poorest villages in the mountains of Nepal.