A nurse who’s raising money for typhoon victims in her homeland has been overwhelmed by the support she’s received.
Thousands are still homeless following the devastation wrought by Typhoon Sendong in the Philippines.
Arlene Elana narrowly escaped being caught up in the disaster as she was on her way home for a holiday when the typhoon struck.
It caused flash floods and landslides that devastated the town of San Francisco, in Agusan del Sur province, where she was brought up.
A tearful Arlene described how she had been deeply touched by the support of colleagues and residents of the Bodlondeb care home, which is part of the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham.
Their latest fund-raising effort was a pyjama day when staff came to work in their PJs.
So far, they have raised more than £200 and there are many more events in the pipeline, including a Bodlondeb’s Got Talent concert.
Arlene, who is the home’s Deputy Manager, said: “The typhoon and the flash floods that came in its wake were really devastating. Three villages have just disappeared, they’re gone.
“My brother in law’s father died, it’s really heartbreaking. Thousands of people are homeless, staying in temporary accommodation like schools and gymnasiums.
My colleagues here at Pendine Park are very supportive. I love living in Wrexham and really enjoy working at Pendine Park, it’s such a happy place and I have fantastic colleagues and special people to care for.
“I am very touched by the support from everybody connected with Bodlondeb, they are doing their very best to make these fund-raising events successful.”
Ann Chapman, the Manager of Bodlondeb, and the rest of Arlene’s colleagues were determined to help.
She explained: “We were all terrified when the typhoon happened because we knew that Arlene was on her way to the Philippines.
“We couldn’t get hold of her because all the telephone networks were down. It was a nightmare.
“Arlene is an absolute brick, she’s a star so raising money to help the victims is the least we can do.
“We sold cakes for Valentine’s Day, we had a free hair and make-up day and we asked for donations.
“We’ve also got poetry sessions set up along with other cultural activities and a Bodlondeb’s Got Talent concert.”
