Trailwalker 2012 – The result.

We did it – just. The mud built up by weeks of heavy rain turned much of the 100 kms (62 miles) Trailwalker course into a quagmire - sufficient to ensure that three of the mandatory checkpoints were flooded and impassable to vehicles. This meant that, while we still had to wade through them, we could not meet up with our support team to get dry kit and food. We were making very good time until we hit the mud, which cut our speed and took a huge toll on our strength. A mere seven miles from the end Ian Gordon, our strongest walker, had to be casevaced when he suddenly lost most of his vision and his pulse dropped dramatically – he was bitterly upset and wanted to continue, but we were not prepared to take any risks: we are delighted to report that Ian, a real stalwart, has fully recovered.

We finished in 28 hours 28 minutes. We were brilliantly supported by a team drawn from the Gurkha Welfare Centres – Nirmal, Mahendra, Humbahadur and Beepana – and without them we would not have made it. We met many great people from all walks of life on the trail: members of our Brigade should feel humble that many, who know so little about us, are prepared to do so much for us and help our soldiers.

Your support had been vital to our fundraising, and we – and the Gurkha Welfare Trust – are incredibly grateful for the magnificent contributions. For those who have delayed giving until we had completed the challenge, you can still donate on www.justgiving.com/gurkhabhuros12 . Go on, you know it makes sense!

As for next year, who knows.......................?

Our Story. We are all privileged to have served with Gurkha soldiers throughout our military careers. None of us is in any doubt as to the huge debt of honour that we, as a nation, owe these magnificent warriors – fearless in war, strong in adversity, and the staunchest and most loyal of friends. We made a compact with our soldiers when we joined, and we are now reaffirming our determination to help any of our old soldiers that need support, at anytime and anywhere.

The four of us - “The Gurkha Bhuros” (the old Gurkha men!) - have supported The Gurkha Welfare Trust throughout our careers and have joined forces once again to complete Trailwalker. In the last two years people like you have been extraordinarily generous to our team and last year we raised over £7,000 – enough to pay the welfare pensions for fifteen of our most disadvantaged old soldiers for a year. We desperately need your help again.

Trailwalker 2012 is no simple walk, but rather a very hard 100 km (62.5 Miles) non-stop team challenge across the hilly South Downs that must be completed in less than 30 hrs: it takes place on 14/15 July 2012. Trailwalker is a real test for fit young people (last year only 53% of teams finished), let alone us somewhat more mature fellows – we will suffer, and every year it gets harder, but it is for the most worthy cause.

Please support us by giving what you can.

Gurkha soldiers have fought for – and died for – our nation since 1815. We can never repay their sacrifices, but we can help our retired soldiers who need our help to live out their lives in dignity, safety and comfort.

Team Members:

John Anderson

John, 66, served in the Brigade of Gurkhas from 1966 until 2000, commanding 6th QEO Gurkha Rifles from 1985 to 1988. He is now Chairman of the Gurkha Brigade Association and a Trustee of the Gurkha Welfare Trust, as well as being involved with several other Gurkha charities. This is his third year as part of the Gurkha Bhuros team.

Bob Couldrey

Bob Couldrey, now aged 66, spent 24 years in the Brigade of Gurkhas, mainly in the Far East, concluding his service with the command of the 7 DEO Gurkha Rifles. Since then he has worked in London but he continues to remain closely involved in Gurkha matters and is now walking with the Gurkha Bhuros team for the second time.

Ian Gordon

Ian, 62, was born in Darjeeling and lived with Nepalese staff until he was 17. He joined 7th DEO Gurkha Rifles in 1970 and, apart from 9 years in the Oman Army, has served with Gurkhas ever since, including 6 years commanding the Gurkha Police Contingent in Singapore. For the last 11 years he has run a Gurkha Security company, working mainly for the UN, and this year will be his second year with the Gurkha Bhuros.

Ian Rigden,

Ian, 49, is a serving officer and at present is Colonel, The Brigade of Gurkhas. He was commissioned into 2 Goorkhas in 1982 and commanded 2RGR in Brunei and Afghanistan. Ian thrives on physical challenges – he completed the Marathon Des Sables in 2004 with his wife Zoe and he has competed in the Hong Kong Marathon, the Great London Swim and other challenge events. He has done Trailwalker four times (with a best time of 17hrs 50mins) and this is his second year with the Gurkha Bhuros

The Gurkha Welfare Trust

The Gurkha Welfare Trust was founded in 1969 to relieve poverty and distress amongst ex-members of the Brigade of Gurkhas and their dependants. The Trust’s core activity is the provision of a monthly welfare pension to Gurkhas in Nepal who have no other form of income and face destitution. Most of these old soldiers, or their widows, are World War Two veterans.

The Trust also provides a comprehensive community aid programme that improves the wellbeing of our old soldiers and shares the benefits with the entire village. Funds raised for the Trust will provide a dignified and secure old age for the neediest Gurkha veterans.

Make your donation now and help repay our debt of honour to the gallant, fighting men of Nepal, the Gurkhas.

Funds raised by Trailwalker support the work of The Gurkha Welfare Trust and Oxfam UK.