Johnny Fenn completes epic trek across Nepal

We are incredibly proud to share that our Ambassador, Johnny Fenn, has completed his trek across Nepal to raise money for The Gurkha Welfare Trust and Hello World. He has spent the last four months hiking in all types of weather, from lightning storms to landslides! 

Johnny, a Gurkha veteran and former Field Director of The Gurkha Welfare Trust in Nepal, set out on 8th January to walk the length of the country from west to east. He was joined by two porters, Mini and Rakcha, who helped carry heavy supplies over difficult terrain.

“This trek is as much their achievement as it is mine,” Johnny said. “[Mini and Rakcha]…have sourced food and fuel at times when we were struggling; they have provided shelter and advice while they themselves faced arduous circumstances. They have smiled throughout and have been my friends when loneliness loomed.”

Over the course of 114 days, the team walked nearly 1,500 miles through the stunning hills of Nepal, climbing a total of 60 miles in vertical ascent. They continued on steadily despite the unpredictable conditions they faced, including freezing weather, heavy rains, snowstorms, landslides, thunderstorms, and high winds. What’s more, they narrowly avoided a 5.6 magnitude earthquake!

Johnny’s regular updates and incredible photography gave us a wonderful snapshot of life in rural Nepal. He also shared a bit about his dramatic weight loss since he began this challenge. He started at 82.9kg, and is currently 69.2kg – a loss of 13.7kg, or 2.16 stones. He revealed that this was 16.5% of his original body weight.

Reaching the finish line

After nearly four months of trekking across stunning hills, Johnny achieved his goal on 30th April and reached Chiwa Bhanjyang, an outpost bordering India, which marked the end of his journey across Nepal. He was greeted with a grand celebration by a huge crowd, including family, friends, and the charities he’s supported with this epic challenge. “Tough climb, high altitude, cold weather, hundreds of amazing people made the tricky journey to this very remote border crossing point,” he said.

As the challenge concludes, Johnny has far exceeded his original fundraising goal, raising over £30,000 and counting for The Gurkha Welfare Trust and Hello World. Our Vice Patron Dame Joanna Lumley also sent a special message to Johnny, cheering him on and encouraging those following his journey to donate.

On his way to the finish line, Johnny visited the village of Oyam where he attended the opening ceremony of a boarding house he helped fund. The boarding house will host 50 students, who previously had to walk for hours to access the school.

Paying respects

After visiting Oyam, Johnny passed through Chyangthapu, the village where Rambahadur Limbu VC, MVO was born. Sadly, Rambahadur passed away on 22nd April at the age of 83. He was the last living Victoria Cross recipient. “We met all the villagers from Chyangthapu as we passed through,” Johnny said. “Not just a beautiful little remote hill village – but the village where Rambahadur Limbu VC was born…we wanted to pay respects there.”

Johnny had previously met the late Rambahadur Limbu VC, MVO.

Supporting Johnny

It has undoubtedly been an emotional time for Johnny and the team as this monumental challenge draws to an end. If you have been inspired by his efforts, there is still time to donate on his JustGiving page, where proceeds will aid our vital work supporting Gurkha veterans and widows in Nepal. Funds raised will also benefit the work of Hello World, who bring connectivity and education to remote communities.

Visit Johnny’s fundraising page