Thirushika Sathialingam, a doctor of Sri Lankan origin in the United Kingdom (UK) was found dead on Margate seafront following a “drowning accident” on September 11.
According to East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, the 26-year-old junior doctor had worked at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate.
Known as Thiru, Thirushika’s funeral was held at Margate Crematorium at 2.30 pm on September 22 with her family asking for donations to charity instead of flowers.
Donations will be split between Hele Sarana, a Sri Lankan charity based in the UK supporting orphaned children that Thirushika had previously danced for, and homelessness charity Porchlight.
Tributes have been flowing in for Thirushika Sathialingam, with her heartbroken dad and brother leading the tribute to the junior doctor who was “a shining star”, followed by her family and colleagues.
In a statement, her dad Sathialingam said: “Every parent thinks their child is special but she truly was, and it is only now that I am realising how much good advice she gave me and how wise she was.”
“She always had time to listen to people, and enjoyed looking after her patients.”
He added during the second coronavirus wave, Thirushika comforted coronavirus victims by talking to them and “holding their hands”.
He said: “She was not afraid to double-check things with consultants if she felt something was not right and she was passionate about her work.”
He said Thirushika was a “fantastic doctor”, and added: “I don’t think she realized how good she was, but it came naturally to her.
“She was able to think outside the box to get things done for her patients, and she loved that medicine was such a complex subject.
“She was interested in anaesthetics, because she enjoyed the scientific approach to it.
“She wanted to be able to do procedures that would make a real difference to people.”
Thirushika’s boyfriend, Peter Speilbichler, gave a heartfelt statement and said she “lit up the room”.
“She could get on with everyone and she was always kind and smiling.
“I never heard anything malicious come out of her mouth, even if she was angry.
“The time we spent together was amazing and I loved everything about her.”
Dr Omar Marzouk, who worked with Thirushika on the Fordwich ward, said she “was a real star in so many ways”.
“Thiru was truly unique and one of the most special people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know.
“She was the most wonderful friend that you could possibly ask for. Thiru was extremely kind, caring and selfless.
“She had the most wonderful sense of humour and she brightened up the room wherever she went,” he added.
East Kent Hospitals’ chief executive, Susan Acott, said Thirushika’s death was a huge loss to the Trust.
“Thiru was a real shining star who had quickly made her mark with her caring nature and her passion for her patients,” she said.
“It is clear she would have had a bright future ahead of her and I have no doubt she had the potential to achieve anything she set her heart on.
“Our thoughts are with her family and her many friends and colleagues.”
Director of medical education, Dr Prathibha Bandipalyam, said Thirushika will be “sorely missed by all of us, particularly her colleagues at the QEQM, and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family”. (With inputs from Kent Live)