Supporter Spotlight – Om Gurung, Regional Volunteer Coordinator for GWT
Om Gurung MBE has recently taken on the role of Regional Volunteer Coordinator in the Midlands as a key ambassador for The Gurkha Welfare Trust; connecting and engaging with his community, raising awareness of GWT’s work, and inspiring others to support our cause. However, his support for The Gurkha Welfare Trust began many years ago.
Om’s roots – Gurkha Connection
Om was born in 1957 in Malaysia, where his father was serving as a Queen’s Gurkha Officer (Captain) with 2nd Battalion, 6th Gurkha Rifles of the British Army. Following in his fathers footsteps, Om joined the British Army (Brigade of Gurkhas) in 1975. Upon successful enlistment, he underwent eleven months of intensive basic training in Hong Kong, after which he was posted to the Gurkha Signal Unit (Regiment).
Over the course of a distinguished 22- year military career, he held various roles and responsibilities, culminating in his retirement in 1997 with the honorary rank of Lieutenant.
Receiving Royal Recognition
During the final three years of his service, he was deeply engaged in the operational planning and execution related to the historic handover of Hong Kong to China on 30th June 1997. In recognition of his professionalism and outstanding dedication throughout his career, Om was awarded member of the most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 13th November 1997 at Buckingham Palace.
Gurkha Connection
Following his retirement from the British Army, Om opened the Crossed Khukris Gurkha Restaurant in Nuneaton Town, alongside his wife, they introduced authentic Gurkha/Nepali Cuisine to the local community.
A chance meeting with the Mayor of Nuneaton
Credit: Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
One evening, not long after opening, a couple visited Om’s restaurant for dinner. After striking up a warm conversation, a common ground was discovered – the gentleman was a former soldier from the Royal Warwickshire Regiment before becoming a teacher. Om later learned that his dinner guest was a former Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough.
The connection between Don Jacques and Om grew stronger over the years and Om discovered that during his Mayoral term for Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough, Don’s chosen charity was The Gurkha Welfare Trust.
Om was deeply moved, although surprised by his choice and asked him about the reason behind his decision. He noted that Don’s response was simple but profound.
“We have an obligation to look after the Gurkhas and honour the debt we owe them.”
Back in 1977, Don and his wife collected donations for the Gurkha Welfare Trust in Nuneaton town centre every year on a Saturday market day. Om joined them in this effort, and over the years, their friendship grew stronger.
Passing the torch
In 2015, Don’s health began to decline, and he asked whether Om would be willing to continue his charitable work. Out of respect for his friendship, his life long commitment to the Gurkha community, and the trust he placed in him, Om accepted without hesitation.
“It is thanks to Alderman Don Jacques BEM that I am in the position I hold today, both in the local community of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough and within Warwickshire County. I began, helping to support my fellow Gurkhas and giving back to the community that welcome me.”
A Charity Buffet
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Om will be holding a fundraising buffer dinner for The Gurkha Welfare Trust on Sunday 11 May 2025 at Oakridge Golf Club, Nuneaton.
Over the course of the evening guests will be invited to take part in a raffle draw and be entertained bya Nepalese Cultural Dance with all proceeds donated to The Gurkha Welfare Trust.