FAREWELL TO ASHA

In today's Gazette we tell the poignant story of Asha Nyanga, who died last week aged just 21 - Asha who could not speak, touched the hearts of our readers in 1996, and £7,000 was raised for a voice box.

She was just 14-year-old, and had recently arrived from Tanzania, the voice box was fitted with a permanent tracheotomy, which made an artificial opening in her windpipe giving her the power to communicate.

However, after the early promise, Asha was not only beset with medical problems centering around the voice box, but there was also difficulty in finding her suitable accommodation.

Those caring for her, said the delays occurred because they wanted to be sure she was given the absolute right care package, but others said she was allowed to 'slip through the net' .

Whatever the truth, the tragic end to Asha's life has certainly touched a lot of people, including the staff at this office.

There was some money from the original appeal. Some of it will be go towards funeral cost and the rest of it will be donated to buying a vital piece of equipment for Ealing Hospital. The hospital will be holding a memorial service to celebrate Asha' life after her funeral on Tuesday at Greenford Park Cemetery.