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Home / Whanganui Chronicle

Rush to bring Gina's brother to Wanganui

Whanganui Chronicle
16 May, 2009 02:00 AM3 mins to read

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All the stops have been pulled out to bring cancer sufferer Gina Forrest's brother from the Philippines to her bedside in Wanganui next week.
The tiny woman loved by so many people, said her dying wish was to see her older brother Supicio Yabo once more - "to talk of memories
and their lives'.
Neither Gina nor her brother could afford to pay for the flights, and they haven't seen each other for more than 10 years.
The 48-year-old second-year UCOL nursing student's colleagues, together with her workmates from Countdown Supermarket in Trafalgar Square, where she has worked for nearly 10 years, decided to raise the air fares.
The decision was made just a week ago, and yesterday the fund was a staggering $8000, with more coming in.
UCOL spokesperson Erin O'Connell said they were so thrilled because it was enough to bring Gina's brother and his son, Gerald (Gina's nephew) aged 25, as well.
"We are just blown away with the support for Gina. But everyone who knows her loves her, because she is a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all.'
Gina had come to New Zealand from the Philippines 23 years ago to marry Wanganui man Kelly Forrest, who she had been writing to for three years.
Gina was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, and it was the wonderful care and help she received during those months that inspired her to take up nursing.
But the sudden onset of liver cancer a few weeks ago stunned her nursing colleagues and Countdown workmates. Gina has been given just weeks to live.
Wanganui Filipino Association president Roy Villaceran has been working tirelessly since Wednesday, when it became obvious the funds were sufficient to bring Gina's brother to New Zealand.
Mr Villaceran said he'd been working with the New Zealand Ambassador in Manila and the Philippines Embassy in Wellington since then.
The file had been marked urgent, he said.
"Because there is not a lot of time.'
Last night Mr Villaceran learned the passports had been approved.
"I am so pleased. Now the next step is New Zealand Immigration, but we are getting a lot of help and Foreign Affairs say they will help us, which is very good.'
Mr Villaceran said he had been on the phone constantly to the Philippines and had been into the embassy in Wellington several times.
"They have seen a lot of me.'
Gina was former vice-president of the association and was well loved and very much respected by everyone who knew her, he said.
"She is a very fine friend to us all.'
Countdown Supermarket manager Braden Crossan said Gina was the loveliest person and not only staff but dozens of customers all donated to the fund.
Father David Bell of St Mary's Catholic Church said Gina was a special parishioner, and last Sunday the congregation collected $800 for their little church friend "with the big smile".

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