UK-based Pinoy nurse among Yolanda fatalities


Filipinos in Harlow in the United Kingdom are mourning the loss of a nurse at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, who was killed last week when Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) battered the Philippines.

Nurse Jeffrey Ducusin and his mother were killed while his six-year-old son Jiro is missing. His wife and fellow nurse Joy survived, according to a report on UK's Harlow Star.

“Everyone in Harlow should say a special prayer for Jeffrey Ducusin. We should do all we can to help. May Jeffrey rest in peace,” the report quoted Harlow Member of Parliament Robert Halfon as saying on Wednesday.

Yolanda devastated parts of Visayas and Southern Luzon last weekend, leaving more than 2,000 dead.

The Harlow Star report said Ducusin worked as a staff nurse at the hospital for 10 years. He returned to the Philippines two months ago.

Ducusin's friends and colleagues in the Filipino community in Harlow paid tribute to him, the report added.

Many described him as a “lovely man” with a “great sense of humor” and a “wonderful nurse” who they enjoyed working with.

“I have had the privilege to work with Kuya Jeff. Such a warm and nice gentleman. One of the best nurses, truly caring for his patients who will be deeply missed," wrote one former colleague.

The Filipino community is expected to attend a farewell Mass at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Tracyes Road, Harlow, on Sunday, December 1.

Helping Yolanda survivors

Meanwhile, the Filipino community there started an appeal to help the survivors, via donations which will be airlifted straight to the communities that need the items.

"We have started collecting items to send. We’re really trying to help people to rebuild their lives," said PAH nurse Vanessa Abellana.

She added the lack of a national health service has forced survivors to pay for expensive medicine.

Also, the community is considering organizing a concert, quiz night, or charity event to raise funds.

The report added the Filipino community has launched a Facebook page to coordinate their efforts. It can be found by searching for typhoon Yolanda.

Even PAH chief executive Melanie Walker told staff in an email voicing "horror and immense sympathy" over the disaster.

“One member of staff, who has lost family, has returned home and we are ensuring all our Filipino staff, indeed anyone directly affected by the disaster, is given full and appropriate support," Walker said.

She added the UK Disasters Emergency Committee is now coordinating donations on behalf of 14 charities at www.dec.org.uk. — LBG, GMA News

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