02 June 2025 | The Gurkha Centre | Hayes | By Hari Bhandari
At The Gurkha Centre, we are delighted to share the positive news that Mr Gopal Gurung, an 80-year-old Gurkha veteran, has been successfully reunited with his wife, Mrs Nanda Kumari Gurung. After a difficult period marked by illness, hospitalisation, and separation, the couple are now finally together again, residing side by side in a nursing home in Southall.
Earlier this year, both Mr and Mrs Gurung experienced serious health crises. Mr Gurung was hospitalised after being found disoriented and unwell in the community. On the same day he was discharged, Mrs. Gurung suffered a severe stroke, leaving her paralysed and unable to speak. Their medical needs led to each being placed in different care settings, far from one another, compounding their distress and isolation.
Since then, The Gurkha Centre has worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of the couple. Through ongoing welfare visits, assessments, and extensive coordination with Hillingdon Adult Social Care, NHS teams, Best Interests Assessors (BIAs), care managers, commissioners, and care home staff, we were able to facilitate Mr. Gurung’s transfer to the same nursing home where his wife resides.
Mr Gurung has expressed his deep relief and happiness at being reunited with his wife. He shared how much he appreciates the new environment and is grateful for the care and support both he and his wife have received throughout this difficult time.
This outcome is a testament to what can be achieved through compassionate, person-centred advocacy and collaborative working across agencies. At The Gurkha Centre, we remain committed to ensuring the wellbeing, dignity, and family life of older Gurkha veterans, widows, and their spouses are protected and prioritised.
Continuing Our Support
While this reunion marks a major milestone, our work is far from over. We are now supporting the couple’s son in Nepal through the visa application process so that he may join his parents and provide them with the emotional and practical care they so urgently need.
This case highlights the critical role of culturally sensitive advocacy for our ageing Gurkha community. It also serves as a reminder of the power of community and collective effort in restoring hope and dignity to those in need.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this effort—particularly Hillingdon Council, the staff at both care homes, and our generous supporters. Your encouragement, donations, and compassion made this moment possible.
Together, we are ensuring that no veteran or their family is left behind.
For further information or to support our ongoing work, please contact:
📧 info@thegurkhacentre.org.uk
📞 07799 346871
📱 facebook.com/TheGurkhaCentre
