Community unites in grief and generosity after tragic loss of young mother; Fundraising appeal for Teena Seljo’s family concludes with over £17,000 raised
Community unites in grief and generosity after tragic loss of young mother
Fundraising appeal for Teena Seljo’s family concludes with over £17,000 raised
A fundraising appeal launched by British Malayali Charity Foundation on 22 May 2025 following the heartbreaking death of Teena Seljo (38) has now concluded, with the community raising a total of £17,200 to support her bereaved family.
Teena, who hailed from Koothattukulam, Kerala, passed away on 21 May at Douglas Macmillan Hospice after a courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband Seljo John and two young daughters. Teena arrived in the UK just two years ago on a carer visa, hoping to build a better life with her family. However, shortly after settling in, she was diagnosed with cancer. Despite returning to Kerala for initial treatment, she bravely came back to the UK to continue working and fighting the illness. Tragically, the cancer later spread to her brain. She underwent brain surgery and aggressive treatment at Royal Stoke Hospital, but her condition worsened, and she was moved to the hospice for end-of-life care.
Her final wish was to see her daughters and parents once more, but despite efforts to secure emergency visas, time ran out.
The fundraising appeal was met with an overwhelming response. Contributions came through various channels:
- KindLink Donations: £13,734
- Gift Aid: £2,388
- Direct Bank Transfers: £1,525
- Donation from General Fund: £33
- KindLink Fee: £480
- Total Raised: £17,200
The family and organisers extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, shared the appeal, and prayed during this devastating time. Special appreciation goes to the numerous community groups, churches, friends, and well-wishers who rallied together in compassion with BMCF.
The funds raised will provide essential support to Teena’s grieving family, particularly her young daughters, now facing life without their mother’s love and presence.
This extraordinary display of solidarity is a powerful reminder of how communities can come together in the face of tragedy.
Stoke-on-Trent community rallies to support grieving family after sudden death
Fundraising appeal for Monahan’s family concludes with £4,600 raised
The local community has once again demonstrated its generosity and compassion, raising a total of £4,600 in support of the family of Mohanan (65), who tragically passed away while visiting his daughter in Cheadle, near Stoke-on-Trent.
The appeal, which began on 27 May 2025, was launched by BMCF following Mohanan’s sudden death due to a heart attack on 26 May at Royal Stoke Hospital. Originally from Parakkadavu, Ernakulam, Mohanan had arrived in the UK just weeks earlier on a visiting visa to reunite with his daughter Ramya and meet his grandchildren after a long five-year gap.
His unexpected passing has left the family devastated, particularly Ramya, who had looked forward to spending precious time with her father. The community swiftly responded to the fundraising appeal, recognising the emotional and financial strain the loss has placed on the family.
Funds were raised through multiple channels:
- KindLink Donations: £3,504
- Gift Aid: £600
- Bank Transfers: £580
- Donation from General Fund: £38
- Less KindLink Fee: £122
Total Raised: £4,600
This act of collective kindness has lightened the burden on Mohanan’s grieving family and stands as a poignant reminder of the strength of community in times of sorrow.
Community responds with compassion following sudden death of local teacher
Fundraising appeal for Bobby James’s family raises £1,750
The tragic passing of Bobby James (57), a beloved husband, father, and teacher, has stirred deep emotions across the community, prompting an urgent fundraising appeal that concluded with £1,750 raised to support his grieving family.
The appeal began on 31 May 2025, the day after Bobby’s untimely death on 30 May at 4:30 PM, just hours after receiving a late-stage cancer diagnosis. Bobby, originally from Pooyappally, Kottarakkara, had moved to the UK three years ago with hopes of building a better future for his wife Smitha and their two children.
Tragically, soon after their arrival, Bobby was diagnosed with cheesy meningitis and later suffered a stroke during treatment, leaving him bedridden and dependent on nursing care. Despite these hardships, Smitha showed immense courage—juggling her job, caregiving responsibilities, and raising their children, with unwavering support from colleagues and hospital authorities.
Just as Bobby showed signs of recovery and the family began to hope for his return home, his health took a fatal turn. The cancer diagnosis came too late, and he passed away before treatment could commence.
The community came together swiftly following the appeal by the British Malayali Charity Foundation, contributing through various channels:
- Kind Link Donations: £1,440
- Gift Aid: £230
- Bank Transfers: £130
- Kind Link Fee: £50
- Total Raised: £1,750
The family and organisers extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, shared the appeal, and offered words of comfort. The outpouring of support has helped ease the immediate financial pressures surrounding funeral costs and will assist Smitha as she continues to support her children through this difficult chapter.