The Gurkha Welfare Trust Jersey (GWTJ) was established in late 2014 to raise funds specifically to build infrastructure projects for Gurkha villages in Nepal, for example schools and medical centres. We have no administrative overheads and no paid employees or paid Trustees, so all funds raised go directly to the Gurkhas. GWTJ operates under a licence from the well-established charity, the Gurkha Welfare Trust in UK (GWT UK) and is established as a separate, Jersey, charity. GWT Projects are run and constructed by the GWT infrastructure in Nepal, using mainly ex Gurkha servicemen, including Clerks of Works and skilled tradesmen, and with local village labour. The necessary construction supplies are purchased and provided by the GWT infrastructure. There are no third parties directly involved.village labour. The necessary construction supplies are purchased and provided by the GWT infrastructure. There are no third parties directly involved. From the outset, our intention is that all funds raised would go to tangible projects in Nepal, with which our Jersey community could readily identify.

Our current project is to rebuild a Medical Centre in West Nepal, following the damage done in the 2015 earthquake. This will cost about £45,000, but we have been offered generous matched funding by Jersey Overseas Aid, so our GWTJ target for 2017 is to raise a further £22,500. If we raise more, we will look for further projects to help the Gurkha communities in Nepal.

So myself and a small band of merry cyclists will be attempting to cycle 'Le Mans' style around Jersey for 24 hours and each cover 300km. We will cycle in teams of 2 swapping every two hours having covered 50km on each circumnavigation.