I hope you read about the expat family that lives in Hong kong and most likely comes back once a year. Sadly, it did not happen for the mother who died on the plane in front of her children a few days ago. Please don't be envious of those who are away and make the effort to travel back home to see family. They don't have to, but they do because they miss you.
Helen Rhodes (pictured) traveled home to the UK with her husband Simon and their two children Nathan and Emma on August 5 after living in Tung Chung, Hong Kong for more than 15 years
A GoFundMe page was set up by Jayne Jeje to help the family with unexpected expenses and to “honor our dear friend Helen”. It has raised more than £10,000 so far.
Ms Jeje described how the family was ready to “start a new chapter” and Ms Rhodes looked forward to seeing her aging parents, who she had not seen since the pandemic began.
She wrote: “Helen and her family ended more than 15 years in Hong Kong to start a new chapter in their native UK.
“Helen was excited and nervous about the move but was looking forward to seeing her family back home as she had not seen her family or aging parents since the pandemic began. Unfortunately, she never saw her again.
She continued: “We remain in disbelief and in shock at the sudden death of our dearest friend Helen Rhodes, whose life touched many in Hong Kong and the UK.”
“On 5th August 2022. Helen died in her sleep on her flight from HK to UK. Helen was found unresponsive a few hours into the flight. Despite best efforts, Helen could not be revived. This all unfolded before her children. For the remaining 8 hours of the flight, Helen lay in her seat in a breathless sleep. Although this was extremely traumatizing for the family, everyone had time to tell her what they had to say. Needless to say, they are devastated. This loss is unimaginable. Helen was a devoted wife and mother. She was the glue that held her family together. After landing in Germany and the protocol that followed, Helen stayed in Frankfurt while her husband (Simon) and two small children (Nathan and Emma) had to travel on to the UK without her.
“Helen and her family ended a life in Hong Kong for over 15 years to start a new chapter in their native UK. Helen was excited and nervous about the move but was looking forward to seeing her family back home as she had not seen her family or her aging parents since the pandemic began. Unfortunately, she never saw her again.
“Helen was one of a kind, a gem. She was a midwife by trade and was always ready to offer advice and assistance to anyone who needed it. Helen loved to talk and quickly made friends. She was the pulse of her community in Tung Chung, Hong Kong. She couldn’t walk a few yards and not meet anyone she knew by name. She was an early member of a close-knit, diverse group called the Tung Chung Mums. Over 200 women who turned to her first when they had a medical question. Helen always made herself available to help others. She was smart, funny and generous with her time.
“Helen was sharp and creative. She ran her own business making amazing custom made bows and accessories. Helen took pride in everything she did and her bows were exquisite. This fundraiser is to honor this beautiful woman who was loved by so many, a dear friend who touched so many people. We can only hope that she knew how much she meant to us and that her void can never be filled. How this loss is so painful and surreal. The sadness we feel is paralyzing. Still, we feel lucky to have known her.”