"In Loving Memory of Late Bimla Limbu (1985-2025) £1,696.52 Donated to Mid & North Essex Mind"

Dear all,

The following article was pubished in the Daily Gazette.

It is with deep sorrow that we share the heartbreaking story of Bimla Limbu (aged 40), who went missing from her home on Sunday, 14 September 2025. After a frantic and painful search, she was tragically found at Highwoods Country Park in the early hours of Tuesday, 16 September 2025. It was beyond imagination that such a kind-hearted, vibrant, and caring person would take her own life.

Following the police investigation, coroner’s review, and post-mortem, her body was handed over to her father, Amar Limbu, towards the end of September. As Chair and Trustee of the Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS), I was given the solemn duty to organise her funeral on Wednesday, 8 October 2025. Because her passing was not from natural causes, several procedural steps were required before the ceremony could take place. Under the spiritual guidance of Shrin Yaba, the Limbu clan’s revered religious teacher, the funeral procession began and arrived at Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium at 2:20 pm. We had reserved two consecutive slots, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, to accommodate the many mourners who came to pay their respects.

Despite being a weekday, hundreds of people from near and far gathered to bid farewell, a testament to Bimla’s kindness, her commitment to helping others, and her enduring spirit of service to the community. With her parents’ blessing, we decided to turn our grief into a meaningful act of hope. Instead of bringing flowers and nylon khada (traditional scarves), mourners were invited to contribute their equivalent value into a donation box, a gesture aimed at supporting suicide prevention and protecting others from such tragedy.

After the heartfelt service, the congregation gathered outside the chapel to make their contributions into the collection box provided by Hunnaball Funeral Directors of Colchester.

A wake was held at the Gurkha Britannia, where family, friends, and community members came together to honour Bimla’s life. During this moment of remembrance, I expressed our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, to Shrin Yaba for his spiritual guidance, to Hunnaball of Colchester for their exceptional care and compassion throughout this difficult time and Gurkha Britannia for the refreshment.

Toward the end of the gathering, Vicky Voyce from Hunnaball presented me with the final donation total of £1,694.52.

Today, in the presence of Bimla’s parents, her uncle, and two witnesses from Kirat Yakthung Chumlung (KYC) Colchester Branch (Debiraj and Sachin Limbu), this amount was gracefully handed over to Daisy Taylor from Mid & North Essex Mind. It is our humble hope that this contribution will help prevent others from facing the same despair that took our beloved Bimla away from us too soon. Bimla’s life, though short, was filled with compassion, laughter, and service. Her memory will forever remain a light within our hearts, a reminder of the importance of love, understanding, and mental well-being.

May her soul find eternal peace, and may her spirit continue to inspire us all.

With heartfelt condolences,

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair / Trustee

Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS)

Dear Chairman, Secretary, and all Esteemed Members of the Colchester Nepalese Society,

On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation for the compassion, kindness, and unwavering support you extended to us tirelessly during the passing of our beloved daughter, Bimla. Your comforting presence, prayers, and thoughtful assistance at her funeral brought immense comfort to our hearts. We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed — whether through your time, words, or presence — in ensuring that her final farewell was conducted flawlessly with dignity, peace, and love.

We extend our special thanks to the Chairman, Secretary, and each member who played a vital role in supporting us both emotionally and practically throughout during this most difficult time. Your collective strength and solidarity have been deeply touching.

Please accept our sincere gratitude for standing beside us in our grief. May the bond of unity and kindness that defines the Colchester Nepalese Society continue to grow even stronger.

With heartfelt thanks and warm regards,

Sewaro Namaste

Amar bahadur and the entire family