Dame Joanna Lumley DBE FRGS
Dame Joanna Lumley DBE FRGS (born 1 May 1946) is an English actress, presenter, former model, author, television producer, and activist. She has won two BAFTA TV Awards for her role as Patsy Stone in the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2012), and was nominated for the 2011 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for the Broadway revival of La Bête. In 2013, she received the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards, and in 2017 she was honoured with the BAFTA Fellowship award.
Dame Joanna has always been a passionate supporter of the Gurkha Cause, campaigning for their right to residency in the 2000s. Inspired by Sujan’s proud Nepalese roots and his dedication to supporting the South East London Ex-Gurkha Community, Dame Joanna agreed to be a Patron of Panas Helping Hands in February 2021 and has been an enduring supporter ever since.
Karan Bilimoria, Baron Bilimoria, CBE, DL, FCA
Karan Bilimoria, Baron Bilimoria, CBE, DL, FCA (born 26 November 1961) is a British Indian businessman, life peer in the UK House of Lords, and the Chancellor of The University of Birmingham. He is the founder of Cobra Beers and President of the Confederation of British Industry.
Lord Karan has supported Panas Helping Hands since May 2021, agreeing to become a Patron after the re-opening of Panas Gurkha at the request of Dame Joanna. He ensures all Panas Helping Hands events are supplied well with Cobra beer and is especially passionate about our work with the Ukrainian Refugee Community.
Dame Joanna has always been a passionate supporter of the Gurkha Cause, campaigning for their right to residency in the 2000s. Inspired by Sujan’s proud Nepalese roots and his dedication to supporting the South East London Ex-Gurkha Community, Dame Joanna agreed to be a Patron of Panas Helping Hands in February 2021 and has been an enduring supporter ever since.
