The Absolutely Fabulous star, whose dad Major James Rutherford Lumley fought alongside the Nepalese soldiers in the British army, has fought a long campaign for the Gurkhas who served to be allowed to stay in the U.K.
The Indian-born actress’ battle led to a vote in the House of Commons in April (09), which saw members of Parliament overrule the government and back plans to give 36,000 Gurkha soldiers and their families the right to live in Britain.
Lumley was handed the Most Inspiring Public Figure honour at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards for her work on the campaign – and was stunned when Tul Bahadur Pun, who saved her father’s life in World War Two 65 years ago, stepped up to congratulate her.
Accepting the award, she told the audience, “This is overwhelming. Thank you so very, very much. Thank you with all my heart. This is something I will treasure forever and I hold it on behalf of the Gurkha Justice Team and Gurkhas everywhere. Bless you all.”
