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WRU Helps Gurkha Welfare Trust Earthquake Appeal

WRU Helps Gurkha Welfare Trust Earthquake Appeal

The Welsh Rugby Union has joined forces with the Gurkhas to raise money for the people of Nepal where earthquakes have claimed more than 3,700 lives and left thousands more injured or homeless.

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Troops from the 200 year old Regiment will focus a fundraising appeal on the Wales v Ireland Dove Men Test warm-up international at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on August 8.

Cash raised at the event will go to the Gurkha Welfare Trust Earthquake Appeal which is already working in Nepal at the forefront of the aid and rescue operation.

Gurkha troops flew to Nepal immediately after the initial disaster to help local communities cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

At the Wales v Ireland international, Gurkha troops will form a guard of honour for the teams entering the pitch and will be holding the national flags of each of the participating sides during the pre-match build-up.

More than 50 troops will be involved at the event which will feature a bucket collection aimed at raising thousands of pounds for the appeal fund.

The Gurkha troops have a close affinity to Wales with a permanent training presence at the Battle School in Brecon, Powys.

Many Ex-Gurkha troops have settled with their families in Wales after retiring from the army.

The Millennium Stadium’s manager Mark Williams, said: “I am delighted to announce our involvement with the Gurkha’s in helping to raise money which will directly help the people of Nepal following the earthquake disaster.

“The people of Wales have a strong bond with the Gurkha’s and I know our supporters will give generously to this extremely deserving cause.

“The WRU has a history of acting quickly and decisively to help charity and disaster appeals around the world and I am proud that we are now working with the Gurkha’s on this appeal.”

Gurka Welfare Trust trustee and retired Gurkha Rifles Captain David Hitchcock, said: ”I am extremely grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union for helping us in this way for such an important cause.

“The relief efforts are happening right now and we are doing all we can to help people who are currently in desperate plight.

“Many of the Gurkha troops are already back in Nepal helping with the relief and rescue work and all have family links in areas which have been affected by this awful tragedy.

“I know rugby supporters will give generously to this cause because the people of Wales have already reacted with strong support following the disaster.

“The Gurkha regiment is synonymous with Wales and the bonds of friendships between the two nations are very deep.

“Our communities in Wales understand the impact of disasters so there is true empathy with the Gurkhas at this difficult time.”

The bucket collections for cash at the game will be organised by Gurkha troops and will take place before, during and after the match.

The other ways of supporting the Earthquake Fund are as follows:

Cheque
Please make your cheque payable to ‘The Gurkha Welfare Trust’, and write on the back of the cheque ‘Earthquake Fund’. Please include your name and address with your cheque. Send your cheque to:
Freepost RRUS-RGZG-YUCB
The Gurkha Welfare Trust
PO Box 2170
Salisbury
SP2 2EX

Bank transfer
When transferring money directly to our bank account please reference your surname and postcode when making your donation. Our bank details are as follows:
Account name: The Gurkha Welfare Trust
Bank: HSBC
Account number: 42197405
Sort code: 40-01-06
SWIFT: MIDLGB2105F
IBAN: GB03MIDL40010642197405

Paypal
Simply log in as usual and use the following address as the recipient: accountant@gwt.org.uk

Telephone
You can call us on 01722 323 955 to donate via credit or debit card.

TEXT – SMS
You can also donate by texting FUND27 £10 to 70070.

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