Since my dad is an ex-Gurkha, I have a personal connection to the Gurkha community, and earlier this year, I had the chance to visit the Gurkha residential home in Dharan. Seeing firsthand the challenges and resilience of the residents there was a moving experience and deepened my commitment to supporting Gurkha veterans and their families. As a student nurse, I understand the importance of health and community support, which reinforces my motivation to help raise awareness and resources for The Gurkha Welfare Trust. During my visit to the Gurkha residential home in Dharan, I also had the opportunity to meet the dedicated team of healthcare providers there. Witnessing their work and commitment to caring for the Gurkha veterans was inspiring and aligned with my own passion for healthcare as a student nurse. It highlighted the vital role of skilled healthcare and community support, deepening my resolve to contribute to The Gurkha Welfare Trust’s mission.

My father in law served in the 7th Armoured Division (Desert Rats) in the second world war. One night in the desert he fell asleep against his tank and woke up to feel a hand searching his uniform. It was a silent Gurkha who was finding out if he was friend or foe. He simply smiled, apologised and melted away again into the darkness. My father in law swore he never heard a sound!

My late father, Charles Vincent Tye, (D.O.B 08/02/1916), fought alongside the Gurkhas in Burma, fighting against the Japanese Soldiers, during WW11. When I was growing up during 1970’s-1980’s, my Dad would tell myself and my two younger brothers, something about his time in Burma. He was so proud to have been fighting alongside the Gurkhas, he said that the Gurkhas far surpassed any other Soldier.

My Grandfather was a Chindit during the 2nd world war and fought alongside the Gurkhas, he said to me how fearless and loyal they are, and told me a story of a group of them running into the jungle hell-bent on Japanese blood, he also said they loved a drink. He told me many stories and I am proud that I knew him and that he made it back when so many didn’t. I also have my grandads kit bag and hat along with his Burma Star.

My father, Derek did his National Service in the early 50's in Singapore and Malaya, working in the Artillery. As I grew up , he told me of his great experiences, with the very brave, committed Ghurkhas. He told me many stories of their desire and driven nature, often returning with injured or dead colleagues, to turn around and try to redress these losses. He told me of a Ghurkha once drawing his sword and it taking many military police to calm him down and take the sword off him. He also showed me two photo albums, one when i was younger, that was the more palatable, holiday style photos. But, when old enough, he showed me the more adult one, with images best for teens or older adults. He wore his medal and Ghurkha badge with pride, as I will when i receive mine. Thank you Ghurkhas for looking after my Dad in Malaya, giving him so many great experiences and memories

Quite a few years ago, when my two children were about 5 years of age, the Gurkhas were stationed in Colchester. One afternoon, when I took then into a store for cake and a drink, the only table left was with three soldiers. We sat with them, with their agreement,but my son was fascinated by the khukris. I told him the knives couldn't be unsheathed without drawing blood, but son was insistent! I explained that they would just cut the tip of his finger, and my brave little soldier said this was OK. But - when the knife was shown, and I proffered his finger he was terrified! So I said that they would just nick a little bit of the back of my hand. This was fine - until he saw the first sign of a tiny little bit of blood. He instantly went into a dead faint. I was all for shoving him under the table and finishing our cake, but these so-kind and gentle (except in battle!) soldiers picked him up and gave him unlimited amounts of Coke to make the wretched child feel better. Of course, his sister also wanted Coke, which was supplied, but I am sure that those lovely Gurkha soldiers were very pleased when we finished our refreshments and left them to enjoy the rest of their break. We probably traumatised them for life ...