A superb day: raffle winner shares his story of meeting Dame Joanna Lumley
Once again we are launching our our annual fundraising raffle to win an exclusive prize – afternoon tea at the Ritz with Dame Joanna Lumley, DBE. Previous winner Clifford from Northern Ireland talks below about what an incredible experience it was for him and his daughter.
Dame Joanna is adored by both Gurkha veterans and our supporters thanks to her role in the Gurkha Justice Campaign and has been our Vice-Patron since 2009. She has a long association with the Gurkhas and Nepal, stemming from her father’s service as an officer in the 6th Gurkha Rifles.
The lucky raffle winner and one guest will have the once-in-lifetime opportunity to meet and chat with Dame Joanna over some light refreshments at The Ritz – one of the most exclusive locations in London.
‘A superb day’
Clifford couldn’t believe he’d won the GWT raffle. “I never win anything so I had to read the email twice then get my daughter Hayley to double check,” he said. “Then a bit of panic, as we live in Northern Ireland, so we had flights and accommodation to organise. My wife and daughter also had a discussion as to who would accompany me to London, clearly Hayley won!
“I have been a supporter of the [Trust] for many years, having worked with the Gurkha Signals during my 40 year military career…[I read] the newsletters and know that such a small, additional contribution from myself has such a huge impact for the veterans and their families back in Nepal.”
After booking their tickets to London, Hayley insisted that Clifford prepare for the big day – namely, dressing to impress! “My daughter insisted I purchase a new jacket, due to both the location and meeting Joanna,” he said. “Naturally, she insisted that you cannot buy a new jacket without a new shirt, tie, trousers…I was at least allowed to wear my favourite brogues.
Clifford and Hayley had a superb welcome to the Ritz by the staff, and had a case of the nerves as they waited to meet Joanna.
“After meeting Joanna, her personality and experience showed through, and she immediately give us a big hug and settled us down,” said Clifford.
“She had a genuine interest in our background and life. Fortunately Joanna was quick to put us at ease and got stuck in with us…the time flew by…we enjoyed a very relaxed conversation on both our family lives and history.”
We asked Clifford about his most memorable moment of the day. “Apart from meeting Joanna, who was literally a star from beginning to end, it was her ordering a doggie bag for us from the staff. Who gets a doggie back from the Ritz? Well, apparently most people who go there!”
After meeting with Joanna, Clifford and Hayley explored more of London. “We decided you could not leave without enjoying a classic cocktail in the Rivoli bar afterwards. For the rest of our time, being there overnight, we took the opportunity to visit some sites such as Westminster Abbey, and met up with some military friends now working at the Tower as Yeoman Warders, and enjoyed an invite to the Ceremony of the Keys, so it was a complete experience that my daughter and I fully enjoyed.
“I can only say that if you think you won’t enter as you never win, give it a go. No one was more surprised than me and it was a superb day.”
By entering this raffle, you are helping ensure that we can support thousands of Gurkha veterans and their widows in Nepal. For 200 years they have fought for us – now, we fight for them.
Prize Details
The lucky winner and their guest will join Joanna Lumley for Afternoon Tea at The Ritz in London.
*The winner must make their own travel arrangements. There is no cash or alternative prize. The date of the prize is subject to Joanna Lumley’s availability. All entries must be made online before the closing date.