A chef will return to his earthquake shaken home village in Nepal next month to deliver much-needed funds raised at an aid concert taking place on Friday (October 30).

Shyam Bal said he is both nervous and excited about seeing his family, smallholders in the remote Himalayan village of Chitalang near Kathmandu.

For the chef who cooks at the Nepali and Thai restaurant, Yak-y-Da at the Hollybush Inn near Hay, knows that three family homes, including those of his elderly parents and brother, were destroyed in April’s 7.8 magnitude quake.

“My family lost three houses and two farm buildings. Luckily no one died or was hurt. It was devastating but luckily the earthquake was in the middle of the day so they were up in the field,” said Shyam, who hasn’t seen his family for nine years.

After being given temporary accommodation he said his family managed to rig up a shelter with a tin roof, but like many villagers will struggle to find the resources to rebuild their homes.

“It’s coming to the end of the rainy season now. They could not build anything in monsoon time either. There is also electricity in the village again,” said Shyam, who said the funds will be timely when he travels to Nepal in November.

Money will be raised on Friday at a fundraising concert at St Mary’s Church in Hay, organised by musician, Justin Lewis-Preece, who lives at the campsite at the Hollybush and became aware of the plight of Shyam’s family and others.

“I thought I would do this to collect some money to give Shyam. He’s finding his own way there. He will take the money to his village. He said he would just take the money to wherever it’s needed,” said Justin.

His group, Band of Ethel will be performing on the night with former Back of Beyond member, the singer and guitarist Kate Hardy, who he met at an open mic night at the Globe in Hay.

Sonia Hammond, who Justin has performed with previously at St Mary’s and Hay Festival, will be playing Bach on her cello as well as performing with the band.

They are joined by the singer songwriter, Jakey Boy Hughes, from Hay.

John Funnell, chair of St Mary’s Music Committee, said Shyam will be able to make sure funds get to where they need to.

“Shyam intends to return to his country as he says that a lot of the funds raised to help his people in Nepal are not getting through to where it is needed. His hope is that by returning he can find out at first-hand how his family are coping and do something about the corruption that seems to be preventing the funds from reaching where it should be going,” said John.

“The idea is I’m taking it directly rather than sending it through a big charity, so I know it will get there,” said Shyam.

He said he will also take with him around £1,600 raised by his son and friends during a mountain walk this summer.

Tickets for the event cost £7 and will be available on the door. There will be a bar serving wine, juice and water.