Anthony Wieler, 1937 – 2022

Anthony Wieler was instrumental in the founding of The Gurkha Welfare Trust and in organising the Trust’s very first appeal – to raise £1m from the British public in 1969.

The initial campaign, spearheaded by an advert in the Times, was an overwhelming success and raised over £1.5m (the equivalent of almost £28m in today’s money). On the back of that appeal, The Gurkha Welfare Trust was established and continues to support impoverished veterans across Nepal.

Anthony during his National Service

Anthony served his National Service with 7th Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Gurkha Rifles (7GR) in the early 1960’s and was incredibly well-respected both here in the UK and in Nepal. When asked in 2013, what it was he loved so much about Nepal, he commented:

“There are so many things, most importantly the people of Nepal. […] Many retired colonels, generals, brigadiers and current generals and brigadiers of Nepal Army used to visit my home in London whenever they came for training.”

Following a successful career in finance, Anthony served as President and Chairman of the Britain-Nepal Chamber of Commerce before becoming a permanent advisor to them.

He remained a fervent supporter of Nepal, the Gurkhas and the GWT cause well into his retirement. He was awarded The Most Puissant Order of the Gorkha Dakshina Bahu (an order of Knighthood) by the King of Nepal in 1998.