The Government did something good today.
"As I write these last words, my thoughts return to you who were my comrades,
the stubborn and indomitable peasants of Nepal.
Once more I hear the laughter with which you greeted every hardship.
Once more I see you in your bivouacs or about your fires, on forced march or in the trenches, now shivering with wet and cold, now scorched by a pitiless and burning sun.
Uncomplaining you endure hunger and thirst and wounds;
and at the last your unwavering lines disappear into the smoke and wrath of battle.
Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous,
never had country more faithful friends than you"
The Gurkha Welfare Trust pays around 10,500 survivors or widows a welfare pension of around £20 a month . It may not be much but it can be the difference between survival and utter destitution. Until recently, in order to qualify for a pension Gurkhas have to serve 15 years but many of these men fought only for the duration of World War Two or the conflicts shortly afterwards. When we needed them they were there. Now it's our turn. They're too old to work but too proud to beg. Despite recent improvements made by the MOD to Gurkha terms and conditions of service, the Gurkha Welfare Trust still supports 10,500 Gurkhas, in addition to providing a first class medical scheme and community aid projects in the Hills of Nepal.
You can do something good today too.....if you can spare £20 per month, you can sponsor a Gurkha pensioner. Donate online here.
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