20/01/2025 | Hayes, London | The Gurkha Centre
Mrs. Rup Maya Pun, the devoted wife of Gurkha veteran Mr. Diljit Pun, has faced a series of overwhelming challenges since moving to the UK for settlement in 2011. Despite their hopes for a peaceful life, circumstances have led to significant hardship for the couple.
A Journey Marked by Loss and Loneliness
Mr. and Mrs. Pun initially settled in Reading, living in shared accommodation with other Gurkha families. However, Mr. Pun suffered a debilitating stroke three years ago and has since been placed in a long-term residential care home with nursing support in Reading to meet his care needs. The isolation Mrs. Pun felt after her neighbours relocated prompted her to move to Hounslow a year ago, hoping to find solace within her ethnic Pun community from Nepal.
Struggles with Identity Documents
Mrs. Pun’s difficulties were compounded by a long and confusing saga involving her identity documents. When she first arrived in the UK, her Nepalese passport and visa contained conflicting dates of birth, which later led to issues with subsequent passport renewals. Each renewal introduced discrepancies, culminating in a distressing experience at Border Control during her last visit to Nepal. With the help of The Gurkha Centre, Mrs. Pun successfully obtained a new passport with the correct date of birth. The Centre is now liaising with the Home Office to resolve the discrepancies in her visa records—an arduous process requiring numerous phone calls and explanations.
Emotional and Financial Hardship
Life has been unrelentingly harsh for Mrs. Pun. She struggles with the emotional pain of being separated from her husband, who asks her when she will visit next during their rare reunions. The cost of visiting him, at over £125 per trip, is prohibitively expensive for someone relying on a pension credit allowance.
Her financial challenges are further exacerbated by a care bill of over £17,000 for her husband’s residential care. Unable to pay this amount, she fears legal action. The Gurkha Centre is working to clarify the details of the bill and explore potential avenues for support.
Mrs. Pun’s distress extends to her two daughters in Nepal, whose applications to join their parents in the UK were declined. Without the financial resources to reapply, she has resigned herself to the separation. Her son, who lives in supported accommodation in Watford due to a disability, visits occasionally, bringing her brief moments of joy amidst her grief.
Health Concerns
In addition to her emotional and financial burdens, Mrs. Pun is battling serious health concerns. Her GP’s attempts to contact her had been unsuccessful until The Gurkha Centre stepped in. She has been diagnosed with high cholesterol and hypertension, placing her at risk of a heart attack. Following a consultation, she has been prescribed statins and requires ongoing follow-ups.
Mrs. Pun is also hard of hearing but resists wearing a hearing aid. She occasionally hears sounds she attributes to cymbals or prayers, raising concerns about potential auditory hallucinations. The Centre is assisting her in arranging a GP appointment to address these symptoms.
A Beacon of Hope
Despite her struggles, Mrs. Pun finds comfort in the support offered by The Gurkha Centre. “There is not a single day that I haven’t cried,” she shared. “But coming here and speaking to you, I feel relieved and hopeful.” Mrs. Pun added that no one could understand what she has been going through and she wanted to share her feelings and emotions with us for some time. We later gave her a lift home, and during our journey, she said she feels relieved and happy today, and that she is grateful for the support we provide to her. We offered to visit Mr. Pun soon and explore further how we can best support them both.
The Centre continues to advocate for her well-being, offering a lifeline in her time of need. From assisting with medical appointments to navigating complex bureaucratic challenges, the Centre’s team remains committed to easing the burdens borne by Mrs. Pun and other members of the Gurkha community.
A Call to Action
Mrs. Pun’s story highlights the pressing need for greater support for Gurkha veterans and their families, many of whom face unique challenges in their adopted homeland. Her resilience is a testament to her strength, but it is a reminder that no one should have to face such hardships alone. Organisations, policymakers, and community members must come together to provide the assistance and resources these families desperately need.
