Having returned from Nepal just a few days before the earthquake struck so devastatingly, I should have been uploading blogs on the stories I have to tell from my wonderful visit, for the first time in my life without a group to look after. I thought I would miss it but, being with the people, in their houses, in their kitchens, meeting teachers, health workers, villagers and local politicians has been a truly remarkable experience for me. That is why this devastating earthquake is so awful; it has killed, injured and disrupted the lives of so many ordinary, yet remarkable, people. They have enough problems in their lives, coping with extremes of weather, the lack of political leadership, a poor infrastructure, dis-functional public services, to now have to cope with this.

Over the years I have been looked after extremely well by my Nepali friends with their generosity of spirit, their unfailing support, their genuine care and their willingness to do anything to make our lives a little more comfortable, often at the expense of their own comfort. It is now time that we return that care and support them in their hour of need.

The Himalayan Trust UK has been working in Nepal for 30 years and will continue to work there for many, many more years to come. Whilst we have on-going education and health projects in specific areas, we do respond when tragedy strikes. Only last week, when I was in Nepal, I was able to give a US$10,000 donation to the relief fund following the Taplejung fire, which destroyed 45 houses and displaced 132 families. I know, with all the coverage we have seen this last week, that you will be moved to donate and help the people of Nepal. Please visit www.himalayantrust.co.uk/donate and do what you can. Thank you.