Tauranga volunteer dies in South Sudan

Richard Welch (centre), pictured with fellow volunteers Bryan Archer (left) holding granddaughter Zoe, and Destinee and Jono Macleod with daughter Ellisha when Welch and Archer arrived in South Sudan in 2015.

A Tauranga man has died in South Sudan after helping build a new maternity and paediatrics ward.

Richard Welch died of a suspected heart attack last week while volunteering in the African nation.

A crowdfunding account has since been set up to help raise the money needed to bring Welch's body home to New Zealand.

Welch helped build a family home for Jono and Destinee Macleod, who have also been doing volunteering work in South Sudan.

The Macleods said on their Macleods on a Mission Facebook page Welch was a huge blessing, "not just to us in building our home, but to the whole Tonj community as he spent his spare time doing things like building people doors for their mud huts and making several families tables that they wouldn't otherwise have been able to afford".

"He really fell in love with the South Sudanese people, and they fell in love with him. In the evenings he'd go for walks along the river with crowds of children following him and holding his hand, and he'd head out for rides on our quad bike to soak up the African scenery. Since then he has remained a special friend, and has always inspired us with his heart to help others and generous spirit."

The Macleods said Welch never let go of his dream to return to volunteer to help the South Sudanese people again.

"A month ago Richard returned to Tonj to start construction on a new maternity and paediatrics ward, which will serve some of the poorest mothers and children in the world. Despite all the challenges here he was so happy to be back doing what he loved, and was making great progress on construction.

"But out of the blue last Saturday Richard suddenly passed away of what we believe was a massive heart attack. This week has been one of the hardest of our lives as we mourn the loss of our dear friend, and as I travelled with Richard to Kenya to meet up with Richard's son Elijah and partner Sarah.

"Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to his children Jenna, Annie, Elijah and Bastien. He loved you all so much and talked about you constantly. And the same goes for his sister Sue, partner Sarah and other family members and close friends."

Anyone who would like to help contribute to the cost of bringing Welch's body home to New Zealand can do so through Givealittle here.