Ellen Rhodes was traveling from Hong Kong with her family on Friday, August 5, when she was “found unresponsive a few hours into the flight”. Efforts to revive Ms Rhodes were unsuccessful and for the remaining eight hours of the flight she “slept breathlessly in her seat”, according to one tribute. Mrs Rhodes, who was described as a “devoted mother” by a family friend, collapsed in front of her son and daughter on the flight. They are said to have remained with her body until the plane landed in Frankfurt, Germany. Want a quick and special update on the biggest news? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out what you need to know… Ms Rhodes’ husband and children then continued their journey to the UK, while her body remained in Germany, where it remains while her repatriation plans are underway. Ms Rhodes was returning home to the UK to start a “new chapter” after living in Hong Kong for 15 years. A GoFundMe appeal has since been set up by family friend Jayne Jeje to “honour our dear friend Helen, who we will never forget”. The page had raised more than £15,000 by Monday afternoon, with a total target of £20,000. “Ellen was excited and nervous about the move, but was looking forward to seeing her family back home as she hadn’t seen her family or her elderly parents since the pandemic started. Sadly, she never got to see them again.” wrote Ms. Jeje. “Helen was one of a kind, a gem. She was a midwife by profession and was always willing to lend a helping hand or advice to anyone who needed it. “Helen loved to talk and made friends easily. She was the pulse of her community in Tung Chung, Hong Kong. She couldn’t walk a few feet and not run into someone she knew by name.” He added: “Helen was sharp and creative. She ran her own business making amazing custom bows and accessories. “Ellen took pride in everything she did and her bows were exquisite. This fundraiser is to honor this wonderful woman who was loved by so many, a dear friend who touched so many people. “We can only hope she knew how much she meant to us and how her void could never be filled.” Ms Jeje stressed that the purpose of the fundraising page was to help cover any unexpected costs of Ms Rhodes’ funeral and repatriation and to fund the support of her children and husband. It is also hoped that donations can be used to create a ‘legacy’ in Ms Rhodes’ honour. All proceeds from the page will go directly to Ms. Rhodes’ family.
