Guptaman Gurung a volunteer for the Gurkha Services at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been awarded the Sir James Gildea award. This award was created to recognise volunteers and employees for their exceptional contribution and commitment to SSAFA’s activities and values.
Guptaman has volunteered as a SSAFA caseworker since 2011 when he retired from the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas in 1979, after 32 years serving in Hong Kong, Brunei, Malaysia, Belize, Kenya, Falkland Islands, Bosnia and Hercegovina Kosovo and Afghanistan. During this time, before he became a caseworker he was also engaged as a translator for SSAFA when the new immigration law came into effect for the pre-1997 Gurkhas.
Guptaman Gurung said:
“Having spent two thirds of my life away from my homeland, it was always my desire to go back and serve my community in whatever capacity I could. Circumstances changed and I was unable to fulfil my desire. Therefore, when the opportunity was offered to become a volunteer case worker, I happily accepted it.
“I have been supporting and providing support where needed to retired Gurkhas and their families living in my part of the country. Although it takes up most of my off hours, the satisfaction you get at the end is immeasurable. My humble request to any Gurkhas reading this article to join the team and help us in helping our own comrades and their families.”
If you would like to find out more about SSAFA’s Gurkha Services, please follow this link: ssafa.org.uk/get-help/gurkha-services
