AN EX-GURKHA businessman trading in Abergavenny has lost six loved ones in the Nepalese earthquake.

Ek Bahadur Ale who runs the town's Gurkha Corner Restaurant in Nevill Street, this week thanked the townspeople for all the affection and support they had shown him and his countrymen in the wake of the disaster.

Two cousins and four close friends were among the 7,500 people known to have perished when his country was rocked by the quake on April 25.

He told the Chronicle, 'I was really upset when I heard this bad news. It's a disaster. Close friends and relatives have died. Some places have been completely demolished.'

He said his widower father, aged 82 and from the Kathmandu area, had survived the ordeal with his home escaping with just a cracked wall.

Others were not so lucky.

"So many have been killed. It's very sad," he said on Tuesday.

The 51-year-old was anxious to thank all those in the local community who had been inspired to help his compatriots back home.

"Everyone has been so kind and helpful by giving funds, food and medication. I am very proud of all the people of Abergavenny and other towns who have helped in this way. They are all so concerned," he said.

He has been actively involved in fund-raising activities in Abergavenny and in Brecon where he was based as a Gurkha soldier for 22 years.

Cardiff, Llanelli and Brecon - all with a strong Nepalese community - had rallied to the cause since the catastrophe nearly two weeks ago.

Among those giving and doing have been Gail Milsom, who runs Hoffi Coffee next door to Ek's eaterie, and her husband Jan.

The couple have helped organise a charity dinner at Ek's restaurant on May 26 when nearly 100 people are expected to pay £25-a-head for a meal, the proceeds of which will go to the disaster appeal.

Among those supporting the event will be top BBC rugby commentator Eddie Butler, the evening's compere, together with former British Lion and Welsh rugby international Scott Quinnell and Welsh running legend Jamie Baulch.

They are giving their services free of charge to make the dinner a memorable fund-raising event.

Jan said, 'It's vital that something is done. The whole community has been so supportive. At the start of this week we had already sold 50 tickets.'

Anyone interested in attending the evening dinner can contact Gail on 01873 854026 or 07596711244.

Jan revealed that other fund-raising events were in the pipeline, including a charity cycle ride.