The world has been shocked and saddened by the recent devastation caused by the floods in Nepal. Friends in Nepal shared videos that left me speechless. While the floods were at the northern border with China, Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is near the Indian border to the south of Nepal. Since 2021, I have been fortunate to visit Lumbini on seven occasions for my Buddhist practice.
Maya Devi Temple – Birthplace of Buddha
After my return to the UK from Nepal and India in February 2026, my health was challenged for over six months, with a urinary infection and then two kidney stones that required two stents to be fitted between my kidney and bladder. Although many in Nepal experience similar health challenges, they do not enjoy free access to a health service like the NHS that I was fortunate to receive at York Hospital. While a small percentage can afford private health care, for many even buying simple medicines is beyond their financial means.
In North Yorkshire, the second most popular first language is Nepalese. This is probably due to the number of Gurkhas who serve with the British Army at Catterick Garrison. As a country, the UK will always be indebted to Nepal. Personally, it is a debt I can never repay. Nepal has changed my life. Thanks to Nepal, my body and mind were healthy enough to positively respond to the health challenges of the past few months.
In the Lumbini area of Nepal, while the hot summers reach temperatures of over 40 degrees, winter is the most dangerous to life. During winter months across the Vale of York, England, many have experienced temperature inversions. The inversion in Lumbini is much greater and more severe than this; it is caused by being trapped between the high mountains of Kashmir and the mighty Bay of Bengal. I have witnessed January in Lumbini, and although I am blessed to have tailored-fitted winter clothes, warm nutritious food and appropriate accommodation, the inversion still penetrated my core at times.
Access to medical care, warm clothing, shelter, and food remains an issue for many in the villages around Lumbini. Many local people succumb to the persistent thick fog and damp cold air due to the unavailability of basic needs.
Over the coming months, to help those who would be affected by exposure to the inversion across Lumbini this winter, I plan to purchase and distribute a minimum of 108 warm blankets in time for the winter months as 108 is an auspicious number for both Buddhists and Hindus. I have many friends who are residents of the Lumbini area, and they will kindly give assistance where required, including ensuring that blankets go directly to those most in need in local villages.
While each blanket will cost only about £13 in UK terms, for a pensioner in Nepal this represents 65% of their monthly pension and is unaffordable for those who need them most.
If anyone would like to be added to an email mailing list for regular updates as the purchase and distribution of the blankets unfolds, please email me at andystrangewaybds@gmail.com
Donations
As I will cover distribution costs, 100% of all donations received will be spent on blankets.
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