Unstoppable at 84: How one supporter stepped up for Nepal

John Wilton has been a dedicated supporter of The Gurkha Welfare Trust for decades. Following his own military service, John spent 40 years teaching across Berkshire, Dorset, and Sussex. He is also an esteemed Rotarian and a former District Governor, dedicating his life to community service both locally and globally.

In 2022, John generously donated the proceeds of his book, “It’ll all be over by Christmas,” to the Trust. “I have great respect and love for the Gurkhas,” John says. “They are perhaps the bravest and the best troops that have fought alongside the British Army.”

Prior to this he organised the award of a PHF ( Paul Harris Fellowship) for Joanna Lumley in recognition of all she was doing for the Gurkhas.“I presented her with the highest award a Rotary can give a non-Rotarian, for her work with the Gurkhas, who I think have not been treated particularly well by this country. They deserve to be cherished and properly looked after in their old age.”

Diving Into the ‘Walk for Water’ Challenge

At 84 years old, John shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. He recently took on the Trust’s Walk for Water Challenge, pledging to walk a mile a day to fund clean water projects in Nepal.

For John, the cause is deeply personal:

“The Trust’s water projects are life-changing for communities in Nepal. They target the poorest rural hill villages, providing clean water infrastructure. Beyond that, they empower women and marginalized castes to step into leadership roles, acting as change agents to educate their communities about hygiene.”

John wasn’t alone on the challenge. He was joined by his walking partner, Jane, whom he met in 2012. The pair instantly bonded over their shared passion for trekking.

“Jane knew I was an experienced long-distance walker,” John smiles. “I’d already completed ten marathons in ten days for Stoke Mandeville, and even walked through the Channel Tunnel from France to England for the Children’s Society.”

Overcoming the Ultimate Obstacle

What makes John’s recent achievement truly remarkable is his journey to the starting line. In 2023, he underwent urgent heart surgery. The recovery was grueling, requiring him to completely relearn how to walk.

“After my operation, I had to learn to walk again, first with a wheelchair, then a pusher, then with two sticks, and finally just one,” John recalls. “But I feel incredibly well now. I’m a very proactive person and wanted to do something positive. I felt highly motivated to take on this challenge for such a wonderful cause.”

The Finish Line and Beyond

Following the triumphant completion of his challenge, John gathered family and friends for a celebratory party. The fundraising didn’t stop at the finish line, either; thanks to a highly competitive game of “guess the money in the piggy bank,” John rallied his loved ones to raise even more vital funds for the Trust.

True to the relentless spirit of our supporters, John isn’t hanging up his walking boots just yet. He is already planning to assemble a team to tackle a staggering 1,000-mile challenge next year. We cannot thank John enough for his incredible dedication.