We are thrilled to announce that Joy Leighton who founded the charity in 1988 is now Patron of GDS.  Joy managed to establish the links with Gorkha after meeting  local headmaster  Perusotum Aryal whilst on a trek in the region.  Now in her 90’s Joy from Stock near Chelmsford still takes an active interest in Nepal and the many friends she made there.

Olivia Power and Zoe Dallow who went to Gorkha as volunteers are also welcomed as Trustees.  Olivia and Zoe had left the area only weeks before the devastating earthquakes in April 2015 and have remained in contact with many friends they made in Gorkha through difficult times and are increasingly active within GDS since they returned. Zoe is now involved in recruiting possible volunteers and Olivia is managing facebook and developing marketing.