Meet TV star Dame Joanna Lumley!
Our annual raffle is live
Once again we have launched our our annual fundraising raffle to win an exclusive prize – Afternoon Tea at the Ritz with national treasure Dame Joanna Lumley, DBE.
Dame Joanna is adored by both Gurkha veterans and our supporters thanks to her role in the Gurkha Justice Campaign and has been Vice-Patron of The Gurkha Welfare Trust 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.
First Prize: 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.
Second Prize: the runner-up will win a Luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper gift hamper with a variety of tasty treats and the bonus of some exclusive GWT goodies!
The raffle runs from Monday 29th January until midnight on Sunday 3rd March 2024.
‘A superb day’
Previous winner Clifford from Northern Ireland talks below about what an incredible experience it was for him and his daughter Hayley to meet Joanna.
“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 and Clifford prepared for the big day, getting their smartest outfits ready for their visit to this exclusive location. They had a superb welcome to the Ritz by the staff, but were feeling nervous as they waited to meet Joanna.
“After meeting Joanna, her personality and experience showed through, and she immediately gave us a big hug and settled us down,” said Clifford. “She had a genuine interest in our background and life… Joanna was quick to put us at ease and the time just 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!”
Clifford and Hayley made the most of their trip to London and enjoyed a day of sightseeing and meeting up with old friends. For both of them it was an unforgettable experience. “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.