At the annual BBQ of the Gurkha Peace Foundation 500 Gurkhas, families and friends met to enjoy the party atmosphere and celebrate their achievements throughout the year.
President Amanda Cottrell OBE presented several cheques for Nepalese projects. Major Deb Pun was handed two cheques one for repair to the Shitalpati School, which has been damaged in the recent earthquakes, and one to support an English teacher. In his recent trip to Nepal Major Deb Pun has organised an internet connection to the school and is pioneering an exciting twinning project to Cheriton Primary School. Soon there will be a Skype connection which will enable children to speak to children.

Several cheques were paid to support children with no arms or who are paralysed and write with their feet. Amanda Cottrell said how pleased she was that the Gurkha Peace Foundation should be playing such a positive role in supporting the most vulnerable children in Nepal.

Chairman Brian Staley gave wholesome praise for all those who had organised the event both in preparing the food and providing the entertainment. He said how proud he was of his trustees who each contribute so much for the charity. ‘Prem who had worked so hard in organising this event and gives huge support for the weekly day centres in Ashford and Folkestone He had visited Nepal earlier this year and had passed on our financial support to the one and only blind school. He had also identified several children who were in need of help.
Bhim Raj our Vice Chairman worked phenomenon hours for the cause assisting the veterans and advising the children of Gurkhas fighting for their human rights. Gopal Giri was the founder of Folkestone Nepalese Community and was a former sergeant major but is now a diplomat who is greatly respected in the Folkestone district. Councillor Charlotte McCaul is our secretary and also chairs the Thanington Resource Centre, one of the best community centres in Kent. Some of the other trustees are not able to be with us today but together make up a great team. We are also proud to have Amanda Cottrell as our President: here she is a ceaseless moral force for good.’