Hinckley Eye Centre

You have heard of the Gurkhas, their bravery, valour and loyalty is legendary .....

...... but are you aware of the plight of the Gurkha veterans living in poverty in Nepal ?

My name is Zahir Ibrahim, Dispensing Optician and owner of Hinckley Eye Centre.

Like you, I had heard of the Gurkhas as a Regiment of the British Army, but until now had no contact with them. I was introduced recently and only then, did the plight of ex-Gurkha veterans living in Nepal come to my attention. I heard stories of outstanding bravery and valour by these men who had proudly fought for our country in two World Wars, thousands of miles away from home and family, there for us, unquestioningly, when we needed help in our darkest hours; only to discover that after discharge from the Army they were returned to Nepal, and are now living in abject poverty in the mountain villages of their homeland. Now, in their old age, those veteran Gurkha soldiers need our help to survive, but are too proud and humble to ask for it.

I don't feel that is an acceptable return for their loyalty to the UK and decided I want to help in some way to raise funds to help with the relief of their situation, and repay some of the moral debt owed to these brave soldiers.

What Hinckley Eye Centre is going to do?

Raise money through fundraising events including Trailwalker 2012 ... An annual endurance team event, devised by the Gurkhas, comprising a gruelling 100km trek along the South Downs Way. In July 2012, Hinckley Eye Centre will join up with a team of soldiers from Queens Gurkha Signals based nearby at Bramcote, veterans of four previous Trailwalker events, who will aim to beat their previous record by running the course in under 12 hours, with the novice Hinckley Eye Centre team aiming to walk the 100km in the 30 hour timescale.

‘Trailwalker' is a large scale event, organised between Oxfam and The Gurkha Welfare Trust which at last year's ‘sold out' event saw 600 teams competing.

Oxfam you know about, but I'd like to introduce you to the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Established in 1969 (Registered Charity 1103669), for the relief of poverty stricken Gurkha ex-servicemen and their dependants by providing financial, medical and community aid to alleviate hardship and distress. They also work within the Gurkha community providing water and sanitation, schools, educational grants, development projects and vocational training.

My request for your support

I would like to invite your company to support us in our challenge by either sponsorship for our teams in the Trailwalker 2012 event or by making a direct donation/contribution to help us achieve our goal.

Please take time to view our internet link ...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwwKUcnBjkg

OUR GOAL

To raise £40,000 to help with the provision of welfare for Gurkha ex-servicemen, their widows and orphans living in poverty in Nepal.

What we will do with your support

On registering for Trailwalker we pledge to raise a minimum of £1500 per team; we hope with your generosity and support to raise much more, enabling us to also make a direct contribution to The Gurkha Welfare Trust for the relief of poverty and distress and fund programmes that open doors of opportunity to people who would otherwise not have the chance and so empowering them to change their own future..

We will take every opportunity to make mention of your support and promote your business and after completion of Trailwalker 2012 we will report back to you on how your money was utilised.

How to donate

Please make cheques payable to : ‘the GURKHA WELFARE TRUST :'

If you have any ideas or suggestions that you would like to discuss or would like more information then please do not hesitate to contact me :

Zahir Ibrahim

Hinckley Eye Centre

9 The Borough

Hinckley

Leicestershire LE10 1NL

Tel: 01455 234555 or 07885 557786

Email : zahi-r-ibrahim@hotmail.co.uk

For further details of The Gurkha Welfare Trust please go to www.gwt.org.uk and for Trailwalker please go to www.oxfam.org.uk/trailwalker

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”

..... Winston Churchill

Thank you for your support

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