Nepali restaurant owner Sujan Katuwal, who is walking 3,000 miles to raise money for Combat Stress, has together with his wife Bandana received an award from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.
Sujan and Bandana set up Panas Helping Hands from their Gurkha restaurant in London to support Gurkha veterans and the local community through delivering food and other essential items. They provided more than 250,000 free meals to the NHS and vulnerable members of their community during the pandemic, and since then to Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.
Sujan is currently undertaking a 3,000-mile walking challenge to fundraise for Combat Stress and other charities. He started on 16 January from the Embassy of Nepal and is aiming to complete half a marathon each day over 200 days.
Sujan and Bandana said: “This is an honour to be named as the Points of Light winners 2024. We are super happy and truly thrilled to be recognised by the Prime Minister. We could not have done and do without the support from the community. We are both privileged to be chosen among other individuals who have received this award.”
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP, said: “Sujan and Bandana have worked tirelessly to support those in their community, from veterans to NHS staff. Their latest challenge to raise money to help support veterans struggling with their mental health will significantly benefit those in need.
“It is people like Sujan and Bandana who represent the camaraderie of our community, and I am pleased their contributions are being recognised.”
Robert Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Combat Stress, said: “On behalf of Combat Stress and the veterans we treat, I would like to congratulate Sujan and Bandana Katuwal on receiving the Points of Light award.
“We are thrilled for them, and they thoroughly deserve this recognition. Not only have they done so much for their community through ‘Panas Helping Hands’, but Sujan’s current fundraising challenge to walk 3,000 miles to raise much needed funds for Combat Stress and other charities is simply inspirational.”
To support Sujan’s 3,000 mile fundraising challenge visit Sujan Katuwal’s 3,000 Mile Challenge – GiveWheel.