UEL staff raise cash in memory of ‘caring’ colleague

Shalini Ganesh-Ram, 26, died shortly after giving birth Picture: Nandini Dharmaseelan (Image: Archant)

Shalini Ganesh-Ram, 26, of Hainault, who worked as an alumni advancement officer at the university, died on August 11, less than a week after giving birth to her daughter on August 6.

The former East Ham resident and Plashet School student was unable to recover from surgery following a caesarian section.

Following her death, colleagues from the university organised a bake sale in Shalini’s memory and raised £600 for the charity she supported, Haven House.

Charlie Tyce, who was Shalini’s manager, said: “It was exactly the sort of thing she would have loved.

“She always wanted to help others in any way she could. It was part of her wonderful caring nature to put others before herself.

“I am so pleased that UEL staff got behind the sale and raised money for a cause so close to her heart.”

Shalini, who left behind husband Ganesh Ram Viswanathan, toddler Aayush and daughter Anjali Shalini, started work at UEL in 2011 after graduating from the university with a psychology degree.

Majid Rahman, who worked with the mum-of-two, added: “Shalini’s death touched everyone in different ways. We felt at a time of such sadness we could bring everyone together. Many baked, some helped with the stall and many others donated.

“The atmosphere was very positive and this helped raise the morale of staff as we were giving to a worthy cause of which Shalini would approve.”

Shalini’s mum, Nandini Dharmaseelan, paid tribute to her daughter, saying: “Shalini was so full of life and was taken away from us far too soon. It’s still hard to believe she is not here with us.

“We will miss her beautiful smile, her laughter and her sense of humour.

“She was our angel and we will miss her till the end of time.”

The funeral took place on August 30 at the City of London Crematorium, Manor Park.