SSAFA Volunteer becomes Hounslow's new Mayor

07 May 2021

Cllr Bishnu Gurung, Divisional Secretary for SSAFA London North West, has become Hounslow’s new Mayor and has selected SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity as his chosen charity for the year.

Hounslow Council swore-in its 56th Mayor during the Council’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 4, May 2021.

Cllr Bishnu Gurung takes over the role for the next 12 months from out-going Mayor, Cllr Tony Louki, who held the position for two years because of the pandemic.

An ex-British Gurkha Staff Sergeant, he was born and raised in Nepal, and during his time in the Army, served in various parts of the UK, along with Hong Kong, Brunei, and Singapore. He retired from the Armed Forces in 1995, after completing 19 years’ service. He received the prestigious Long Service and Good Conduct medal upon retirement.

In 2005, he settled in Hounslow, and now works as a full-time bus driver for Transport for London. Along with his day-job and Council duties, Cllr Gurung is heavily involved in supporting various charities and local organisations, including SSAFA London North West. He is also serves as a trustee and advisor to the Dewachan Buddhist Centre and was the founding Chairman of the Gurkha Nepalese Community Hounslow.

Commenting on his chosen charity for the year, SSAFA, he said:

“I am a veteran and have seen the situation and understand very well a soldier's life. I have witnessed first-hand the support SSAFA provide to our Armed Forces and their families, which is invaluable. That is why I would like to support this charity; to give hope and a better life and it’s also an issue very close to my heart.

“London North West is SSAFA’s local branch and the Hounslow division distributed over £41,000 to local beneficiaries and helped over 40 local families during 2020 alone.”