Actress appeals for funds for Gurkha veterans

LONDON — Actress Joanna Lumley launched an appeal Thursday to raise 10 million pounds for elderly Gurkha soldiers living in poverty in Nepal, in a campaign supported by Prince Charles.

Lumley, who helped persuade Britain earlier this year to change its policy on allowing Gurkha veterans to settle here, said the country owes a "debt of honour" to the ageing fighters.

The fund, worth 16 million dollars or 11 million euros, would provide monthly welfare payments, medical care and community projects for 10,000 Gurkha veterans and the widows of those who fought with the British in World War II.

The campaign, launched with the Gurkha Welfare Trust, claims that the veterans, many of them war wounded, are surviving on little more than 30 pounds a month.

"Our debt of honour to the Gurkhas remains. They helped fight our wars and keep our peace. They stood up for us and now is the time to stand up for them," said Lumley, launching the 'debt of honour' campaign in London.

The actress, star of hit British television shows "Absolutely Fabulous" and "The New Avengers", added: "There are 10,000 very elderly veterans in Nepal who need our support right now."

Lumley, whose father was a British major in the Gurkha Rifles, has long campaigned for improved rights for Nepalese soldiers who fought with the British, and led their victory in May in securing the right to settle here.

Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, is among those backing the latest campaign for what he described as the "gallant" Gurkha veterans.

In a message of support, he wrote: "These projects will help ensure these wonderfully loyal and courageous men receive the support they so deserve."

A separate Gurkha group, the British Gurkha Welfare Society, launched a legal action in October over veterans' pension rights, which they say are less than those received by other retired British soldiers.

About 200,000 Gurkhas fought for Britain in World War I and World War II and more than 45,000 have died in British uniform. Around 3,500 currently serve in the British army, including in Afghanistan.