"She was a kind, generous and caring soul, who loved animals and the outdoors. She touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly."
These are the heartfelt words of Shruti Ambavat paying tribute to her beloved mother, Pramila, who died earlier this month at the age of 73 while visiting her daughter in Belfast.
Shruti, who is originally from Mumbai and works as a communications executive, moved to Northern Ireland with her husband Kristopher over six years ago.
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Pramila was a beloved mother of two, sister and wife who passed away after a heart attack while visiting Shruti in Belfast. She took unwell on the night of January 12 and never regained consciousness. Pramila spent three weeks in ICU in the Royal Victoria Hospital before passing away on February 4.
Shruti told Belfast Live: "My mum was due to fly home the following week when she fell ill and was really looking forward to going back to India, having been here in Belfast with me since October. This had been her second trip to visit me in Northern Ireland in two years and we always travelled a lot when she was here including down south and to London.
"We were really close and like most people she didn't want to die but she had always discussed death with me. The strange thing was that she had made plans about what should happen should she die in Belfast. Her wish was to have a memorial somewhere outdoors as she loved to be near nature and dogs too.
"She would love to see dogs in the park and approach them. She never missed a walk and would go to Cavehill, the Waterworks and Botanic Gardens. One of the things she was miserable about here was that the weather hadn't been great during her time here."
Now Shruti has created a fundraising page to set up a memorial bench and to support 'NHS Charities Together' in gratitude for the NHS's care for her mother and support for the family during her final weeks.
The funds raised will go towards setting up a memorial bench in Pramila's name. Any proceeds leftover after the cost of the memorial bench will be directly donated to the 'NHS Charities Together'. Over £1,100 has been raised so far, with a £20,000 target.
Shruti added.: "Even though my mum was unconscious for the three weeks she was in hospital, the care she received was great and the ICU nurses were amazing. As well as the cost of the memorial bench, I really want to show my gratitude to the NHS and give back for taking care of my mum.
"I find great peace and solace in the fact that she was taken care of very well in her last few days. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated during this difficult time. Thank you for your generosity and support as we remember and celebrate the life of Pramila."
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
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