A FATHER who lost relatives in the Indian earthquake has organised a special memorial service to pay tribute to the thousands of other victims who were killed.
President of the East Lancashire Hindu Society, Rajesh Patel, lost his aunt Aruna Patel, 52, and two cousins, Raju, 40, and Ajay, 32, when the disaster hit the state of Gujarat two weeks ago.
The tragic news was revealed as the Lancashire Evening Telegraph launches a campaign today to boost an appeal fund for victims of the earthquake.
Mr Patel's mum Vina, and sister Jasmine Sheikh were also made homeless for several days after the disaster and their factory in Ahmedabad suffered severe structural damage.
Today Rajesh, 41, who last saw his aunt and cousins on a family trip to India in 1996, said the rest of his family were starting to pick up the pieces after the disaster.
He said: "The last time I spoke to my aunt and cousins was in 1996 when I went over there for a social visit and I invited them to a religious festival that was happening. They had never been to England.
"My sister had gone to drop her daughter off at college and everybody else was at home when the earthquake struck.
"I try to speak to them on the telephone every other day or so now but for the first 24 hours after the earthquake I didn't have a clue what was going on. I was anxious all day.
"They were on the streets for three days but are now starting to settle back in and repair work is getting under way. But there is a lot to be done."
Mr Patel, of Printers Fold, Burnley, has organised a memorial service as a tribute to his relatives who were killed and wants as many people as possible to join him in prayers for the thousands of other victims.
Burnley fire and rescue officer Ged Richmond, who went to India with other Lancashire officers to help with search and rescue operations, will be attending the event to tell his account of events.
Mr Patel, who is married to Vina, and has two children, Krupa, 13, and Kiran, 10, said: "The service is for my relatives who have passed away in the disaster and others who have lost family and friends as well.
"It will be a simple get together and prayer offering and a chance to thank the Lancashire fireman who went to India from Burnley and helped save eight people from the rubble. We would like to present him with some kind of trophy to say thank-you."
Members have also set up a special disaster funds account to raise money for the affected people. Those wishing to make a regular contribution are invited to set up direct debits or standing orders through their banks and building societies.
Alternatively cheques can be made payable to ELHS -- Disaster Fund or cash donations can be made at the memorial service.
The memorial service will take place on Sunday February 18 in the Boardroom Suite at the Comfort Inn, in Keirby Walk, Burnley, between 2pm and 4pm.
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