“By their courage and endurance, they have made a magnificent contribution to the success of British arms. Their good comradeship has always been a source of strength to our own soldiers. We believe that everyone in this country owes them a great debt for their loyal and devoted service in numerous campaigns over many years.”

Going back some 25 years I remember attending The Royal Tournament, which at the time was the worlds largest military tattoo and pageant, held annually by the British Armed forces between 1880 and 1999. 

I can remember the part with the Gurkhas to this day and have always been fascinated by them. Working in construction I’ve met a lot of ex Ghurkha soldiers who now work in security and have always found them to be extremely polite, calm and well mannnered. When I’ve asked them questions they’ve always been honest and they are a group of people I respect highly.

Another reason for my interest in Nepal was because of the Eddie Murphy film, The Golden Child. It’s funny what sticks in the mind.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust ensures that Gurkha veterans, their widows and their wider communities are able to live with dignity in Nepal, through the provision of financial, medical and community aid.