A British mother died on a plane returning from Hong Kong with her family in early August, and her relatives had to spend the remaining eight hours on the plane next to her remains.
On August 5, Helen Rhodes returned to the United Kingdom after a 15-year absence from Hong Kong. During the flight, she fainted and died.
Despite being devastated by the tragedy, the family says they found time to say what they needed to say to their late mother.
They had to wait for the plane to land in Frankfurt, Germany before the body was finally removed from the plane. Her husband Simon and their two children, Nathan and Emma, left her in Germany and returned to England.
A Crowdfunding campaign Started by Jane JJ, a friend of Helen Rhodes. The latter describes Helen as a deeply benevolent woman. “She was always ready to lend a hand or give advice. She loved to talk and made friends easily,” writes Ms Jeje.
Helen Rhodes, an accomplished seamstress, started her business designing bow ties and other accessories. Her professional journey took her to Hong Kong where she lived with her family for almost 15 years.
After all this time, Helen, her husband and their children were returning home when he died.
“It is an unimaginable loss. Helen was a devoted wife and mother. She is the cement of her family,” says Jain JJ.
The crowdfunding campaign aims to help the family pay for Helen’s funeral and cope with their loss. More than 34,000 books, or approximately 53,000 Canadian dollars, have been collected so far.
