By Diaspora Insurance News
Mavis Clinic Manyonga travelled from Zimbabwe to Ireland in December last year, looking forward to a happy Christmas what with daughter, Valerie, who is a nurse in the Donegal county town of Letterkenny.
However, there would be no Christmas celebration for Valerie as tragedy struck. Her mother died suddenly just 24 hours after arriving in Ireland, having suffered a heart attack.
“The sudden loss has left Valerie inconsolable,” read a GoFundMe appeal launched on behalf of the family. “She now faces the immense challenge of bringing her mother’s remains back to Zimbabwe for a proper burial. The repatriation costs, along with the associated funeral expenses, have placed a significant financial burden on the family (€10,500).
“Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a profound difference in helping Valerie bring her mother home and give her a dignified send-off.”
Again in December, healthcare worker Michael Mawena died barely two months after arriving in the United Kingdom from Zimbabwe. His family also launched an appeal for £5,000 to help with body repatriation and funeral expenses.
“(The) funds will be distributed towards funeral expenses in Zimbabwe and repatriation of Michael’s body (from the UK). His wife and children will also be able to bid farewell,” a statement accompanying the appeal added.
Meanwhile, the sudden death cases and public appeals funding were not limited to the United Kingdom only but spread as far afield as Australia and Thailand.
In September, 23-year-old Kenyan student Orville Kimutai Tures drowned at a popular swimming spot at Stockton Lake, near the town of Collie and an appeal was also started to raise A$30,000 for funeral and repatriation expenses.
Elsewhere, a mum of two died shortly after moving to Thailand with her children and an appeal has now been launched to help repatriate her remains back home.
According to the GoFundMe appeal, seeking £12,000, Angela Nyamajiwa, had barely settled in the Southeast Asian country when tragedy struck.
“As we grapple with this unimaginable loss, we come together to honour Angela’s memory and make sure she (and her children) find their way back home to Zimbabwe, where they belong,” wrote Simon Moyana who initiated the GoFundMe appeal.
“Angela touched the lives of so many with their kindness, warmth, and unwavering love. Repatriating her body to our home country is a significant undertaking, both emotionally and financially.
“As we navigate through this difficult time, any contribution, no matter how small, will make a tremendous difference in easing the burden on the family and ensuring that we can provide a dignified farewell to our departed soul.”
