Today, some 9,000 veterans and widows, many in their 80s, rely on a welfare pension from the Trust of around £41 (depending on exchange rates) each month.
We also provide medical care for retired Gurkhas and their families, in rural areas where there may be as few as one doctor per 100,000 of the population.
Nepal is a striking country however earthquakes and landslides are a constant threat. The annual monsoon often spells disaster. Hardship grants help those who are affected.
Educational grants are made to Gurkhas dependents: each year we support the education of around 1,600 children, build four new schools and conduct an extensive school renovation programme.
The Trust works in partnership with the Department of International Development (DFID) to provide safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to Gurkha communities.
Between July 2008 and June 2009, the Trust built 1,614 tap stands, benefiting 2232 households and nearly 15,000 people. 11 latrines for schools and health posts were also constructed.