By Laxmi Gurung, Wife of Staff Sergeant Mohan Gurung, Queen’s Gurkha Signals
When four Gurkha wives, Pratiksha, Aliza, Sanju and I, set out to celebrate our husbands’ 20 years of military service, we wanted to mark the moment with purpose, pride and a challenge worthy of the occasion. Trailwalker 2026 offered exactly that: a gruelling 100km nonstop trek across the South Downs Way, demanding stamina, resilience and the strength of our enduring Intake Numberi bond.
More than a physical challenge, the event became a heartfelt tribute to service, family and community. We were proud to raise almost double our fundraising target for The Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT), a cause deeply personal to us. As wives of serving soldiers and daughters of Gurkha veterans, we have witnessed first-hand the life-changing difference GWT makes and every step felt like a way to give something back.
The miles were not easy. There were sore feet, aching legs, a few questionable life choices and more than once, the inevitable question: “Why are we doing this?” But with each checkpoint and each shared laugh, the finish line drew closer. By the end, we could say it with pride: 100km completed, 20 years celebrated, feet destroyed and memories made for a lifetime.
Trailwalker tested us physically and mentally but it also revealed the power of friendship, resilience and shared purpose. Here’s to 20 years of Intake 06, 100km of determination and a bond that grows stronger with every challenge.
