Providing financial medical and community aid to alleviate hardship and distress among Gurkha ex-servicemen of the British Crown
30/06/10
Gurkha Highlander - The Seven Summits Mission Accomplished
The seven young Gurkha soldiers who took part in this year's Gurkha Highlander march have now returned safely to their units in Stafford and Camberley. They achieved their aim of climbing seven Munros, or Highland peaks over 3,000 feet in height, and raised awareness of the needs of 10,000 ex Gurkhas and their widows in Nepal who rely on the Gurkha Welfare Trust to pay them a welfare pension of £34 per month. So far the total raised by this event is £20,000 from the generosity of the public. The soldiers involved had between them served on operations in Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan, and all are liable to serve in the future in Afghanistan again.
The Royal British Legion Scotland are a major contributor to this event and there were gatherings of members on Monday last at Spean Bridge, on Wednesday at Kingussie and on Friday at Banchory to meet the Gurkhas and enjoy their piping, singing and dancing. The seven peaks climbed were Ben Nevis, Chno Dearg, Creag Meagaidh, A'Chailleach, Ben Macdui, Lochnagar and Mount Keen. After the completion of the march on Saturday 3 July they travelled to Edinburgh for a farewell supper party at the Namaste Kathmandu Restaurant, arranged by the ex Gurkha community in Scotland's capital city.
The supper was attended by members of the GWT Scottish Branch and GWT Director Colonel William Shuttlewood.
To donate please send your cheques c/o GWT, Mandalay, Old Distillery Road, Kingussie, PH21 1EZ Gurkha or donate online stating that you are donating towards Gurkha Highlander.
GWT Supporters in Mongol Rally Challenge - Previous
