EARLIER in July, a local wine-tasting evening was held to raise funds to support the work of the Britain-Nepal Medical Trust.

Just under £2,600 was raised to help the earthquake relief efforts taking place in Nepal.

In 1968 five young doctors, five nurses and a budding engineer formed the Britain-Nepal Medical Trust and set out overland to Nepal with the aim of helping to provide medical services to the most vulnerable in the remote towns and villages in the foothills of the Himalayas. Since then the Trust has expanded services to communities in other parts of Nepal and has come to be valued by the Nepalese people for quality and trustworthiness.

There is tremendous goodwill towards Nepal from those who have been fortunate enough to trek in its majestic mountains, stand in awe of its ancient temples and above all, experience the warmth, humour and generosity of the people of this nation, one of the world’s poorest.

The earthquakes in April and May have been disasters which have killed over 8,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes and infrastructure in many villages and towns. With the coming of the monsoon season floods and waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery will further threaten communities already short of medical supplies and adequate shelter. The Britain Nepal Medical Trust is helping to provide medicines, shelter, safe water and latrines.

Further donations would be welcomed and should be sent to The Britain Nepal Medical Trust, 130 Vale Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1SP