Saroja’s Heartbreaking Battle With Rare Cancer in London: BMCF Transfers £2,000 From General Fund to Support the Struggling Couple
London: What began as a hopeful dream of a better life in the UK has turned into a devastating fight for survival for Saroja (41) and her husband Thadevoos (51) from Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram. Three years ago, they arrived on a visit visa after spending their life savings — trusting agents who falsely promised to convert it into a work permit. Since then, the couple has been living undocumented, surviving on cash-in-hand work and constant anxiety.
Recently, Saroja began suffering from severe abdominal and back pain. After multiple misdiagnoses and hospital visits, doctors at Newham Hospital delivered the heartbreaking news: she has an aggressive and rare form of sarcoma cancer. Her condition continues to worsen, leaving her in unbearable pain while her husband remains by her side, exhausted and emotionally shattered.
In this darkest moment, a ray of support emerged. The British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF), recognising their critical situation, has transferred £2,000 from its General Fund to help the couple. Because of their visa status, many charities had turned away — making BMCF’s support a crucial lifeline.
Friends have also launched a fundraising campaign to assist with urgent needs, as the couple faces an uncertain and frightening future. Married for 17 years with no children, they now rely solely on the compassion and solidarity of the community around them.
In a foreign land, far from home, they are fighting a battle they never imagined — but they are not alone.
UK Malayalees Raise £25,250 in Two Days to Repatriate Aneena’s Body and Support Grieving Family
Ilford, London: In a touching display of unity and compassion, the UK Malayalee community has raised £25,250 within just two days to help repatriate the body of Aneena — the young student who tragically passed away after sudden brain death — and to support her heartbroken family in Kerala.
Around 1,500 people came forward with generous contributions to ensure that Aneena is taken home with dignity. Her body is currently kept in the mortuary at King George Hospital, Ilford, while final formalities with the Indian Embassy are nearing completion.
Through the KindLink platform, £21,154 was raised, along with £3,370 received as Gift Aid. After deducting £634 as platform charges and adding £1,346 from the bank transfer plus £14 from the British Malayali Charity Foundation (BMCF) General Fund, the total reached £25,250.
Aneena, one of triplet daughters and a beacon of hope for her financially struggling family, had travelled to London after her parents took a ₹20 lakh loan, dreaming she would secure a career that could lift them out of hardship. She was pursuing a postgraduate programme in Sustainable Agriculture at Middlesex University, excelling in a rarely chosen field that promised strong future job prospects.
Those dreams were shattered when she collapsed and was rushed to King George Hospital last Thursday. Despite desperate prayers for her recovery, Saturday evening brought the devastating confirmation of her passing — a reality her family is still struggling to accept.
The community effort to support the family has been hailed as a remarkable act of love and solidarity, showing how UK Malayalees come together in moments of profound tragedy. For a family surviving on the father’s modest autorickshaw income back home, this assistance offers a lifeline amid unimaginable loss.
As arrangements progress to bring Aneena back to her homeland, her story has become a heartfelt reminder of the fragility of life — and the strength found in compassion.