My Story

Stepping up to complete the London Marathon in 2024 (with some trepidation!), I will be running for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

My Grandpapa, Col. Samuel Craxford, worked alongside the Gurkha in the 1960s in Hong Kong. Though I grew up hearing snippets, the depth of Grandpapa’s admiration for the Gurkha became clear last year after he suffered a terrible fall.

During our hospital visits, Sam’s favourite topic of conversation was his time working alongside the Gurkha; from establishing the new rifle regiment to their victory at the Royal Army Service Core Shooting Competition on their first try, his anecdotes conveyed the Gurkha’s irrepressible humour and humility.  

Listening to these stories, we felt compelled to reach out to the Gurkha Brigade, hoping for perhaps an email or get-well card. But in true Gurkha style, Captain Pali paid Sam a personal visit. It was a wonderful day that we will always cherish.

As a family, we are deeply touched and grateful for the memories of that special visit. As a nation, we owe a debt of honour to the Gurkha for their steadfast loyalty and devoted service. It is only right we do all we can to ensure that Gurkha veterans and widows are able to live their lives in Nepal with dignity, free from distress and poverty.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust, for over 50 years. provides financial, medical and development aid to Gurkha veterans, families, and communities. Essential projects include providing access to clean water and sanitation, building, and repairing schools, establishing residential care homes for Gurkha veterans and widows who would otherwise struggle to live alone and delivering a monthly pension, so veterans and widows can remain secure in old age.

“Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends than you”

(Sir Ralph Turner, a former Gurkha officer)