Our Patrons kindly lend their name to our cause to help us ensure that Gurkha veterans, their widows and their wider communities can live their lives with dignity in Nepal.
His Majesty was previously Patron of the Gurkha Welfare Fund, an umbrella organisation that coordinated the activities of the Gurkha Welfare Trust, Gurkha Welfare Appeal (Canada), Gurkha Welfare Trust Foundation (USA) and the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association (BGN). Following the demise of GWA(C) and GWTF(USA), in 2009 The Prince of Wales graciously agreed to become Patron of the Trust, thereby continuing his close association with Nepal and the welfare of ex-servicemen of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
Joanna has a long association and interest in Nepal and its people that grew out of her father's service as an officer in 6th Gurkha Rifles. Joanna graciously agreed to become a Vice Patron of the Trust in 2009.
Our Ambassadors work in partnership with us to help widen our appeal, reach new audiences and promote our cause.
Hari is a record-breaking mountaineer and the first double above-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest at 8,849m. Born in rural Western Nepal, he served 15 years with the Royal Gurkha Rifles before losing both legs in Afghanistan in 2010. Hari now dedicates his life to championing disability inclusion and inspiring others to pursue their ambitions. Everest was the third of his Seven Summits challenge, which he aims to complete by 2025, alongside raising vital funds for five charities. He became a GWT Ambassador in 2022.
Johnny is a former British Army Officer with 25 years' service, including 16 with the Gurkhas, serving in East Timor, Iraq, and later as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Brigade. After promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he became the British Military Advisor to ECOWAS in Nigeria and later served as The Gurkha Welfare Trust's Field Director (2011–12). After leaving the military, Johnny built a successful career as a professional photographer and explorer, travelling widely. In 2024, he returned to GWT Nepal as Field Director — a role he describes as his dream job.
For full details about our Patrons and Ambassadors, including their backgrounds, campaigns and how they support the Trust's mission, visit the Gurkha Welfare Trust website.
