Helen passed away in her sleep during a flight home to the UK.
A fundraiser has been launched for the family of Helen Rhodes, who died in her sleep on a flight home to the UK.
The mum's children sadly witnessed her untimely passing as they were with her on the flight.
Helen and her children were travelling from Hong Kong to the UK. The midwife was excited to start a new chapter back home in England, but sadly never made it home.
Helen was pronounced dead on August 5th, despite efforts to resuscitate her. The mum was found unresponsive a few hours into the flight, but her cause of death has not been disclosed.
Helen's loved ones have spoken out about the ordeal.
"This all unfolded in front of her children. For the remaining 8 hours of the flight, Helen lay in a breathless sleep in her seat. Although this was extremely traumatizing to the family, they all had time to say what they needed to say to her. Needless to mention, they are devastated."
"This loss is unimaginable. Helen was a devoted wife and mother. She was the glue that held her family together.
The plane's crew had to follow protocol so her body had to be removed from the flight in Frankfurt. Her husband Simon and their two young children, Emma and Nathan, had to continue travelling to the UK without her.
Helen was both excited and nervous about returning to the UK, but was looking forward to spending time with her loved ones.
"She had not seen her family or aging parents since the pandemic began. Sadly, she never got to see them again."
"She was the glue that held her family together"
Tributes have been paid to Helen since her heartbreaking passing. She was fondly remembered as a loving midwife, who would always lend a hand to those who needed it.
"She couldn’t walk a few feet and not run into someone she knew by name."
Her loved ones shared, "The grief we feel is paralyzing. Yet, we feel lucky to have known her."
Over £20,000 has been raised for Helen's family so far. Her friends hope this fundraiser will help them cope with unexpected expenses because they're already dealing with enough turmoil.
Funds raised will be used for Helen's funeral, and to support her children and husband Simon. The money will also be sent directly to her devastated husband Simon.
You can donate
here.
Feature Image: GoFundMe
