IN response to the letter from WP Carter about the plight of widows and families of former Gurkha soldiers living in Nepal (June 10), I wish to alert your readers to a charity which helps the people to whom his letter refers.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust operates 24 welfare centres in Nepal and one in India. Approximately £20 a month is paid to ex-servicemen and widows who do not qualify for a military pension (15 years service is needed to earn such a pension).

The trust makes grants to alleviate hardship after fire, flood or other natural disasters and provides hospital and medical services.

It also helps fund the education of 1,500 children.

An individual or organisation can sponsor an ex-serviceman or widow by committing a payment of £20 a month which is enough to supply the basic food for one.

Perhaps a school may be interested? You will be sent a photograph of the person you are supporting.

The trust website is www.gwt.org.uk and the e-mail address is secretary@gwt.org.uk

Incidentally, the Ministry of Defence does contribute to the running of the trust.

L Mackenzie,

Elmpark View,

York.

Updated: 10:56 Friday, June 13, 2003