It is with great sadness that we heard yesterday of the tragic loss of Sariade Kileo from Meserani Snakepark – known to us all as Sari. Yesterday should have been a day of great joy for Sari, as she prepared for the birth of her third child, but unfortunately she died due to complications whilst giving birth. Her newly-born daughter is currently in intensive care, and we hope very much that she will recover fully.

Sari was on our committee that selected pupils for secondary school sponsorship, and she was a great supporter of The Meserani Project. She managed the bar at Meserani Snakepark during the daytime, and was known by everyone for her wonderful smile, and warm and open personality. She leaves a 14 year-old daughter, Glory, and a 3 year-old daughter, Ester. Her newly-born daughter has been named Abgael Jeremia. Diane and Peter Swan remember vividly visiting Sari in her mud hut just after Ester was born, with presents and clothes for Ester – it seems unbelievable that they will not be able to do this for Sari with her new daughter.

Sari’s husband had no work, and the only income for the family was from Sari’s work behind the bar at Meserani Snakepark, so the family’s future is now extremely bleak.

Sari’s funeral is on Wednesday (17 December) – our thoughts are with her husband, and her three daughters as they come to terms with Sari not being there any more.

A wonderful lady, and such a tragic loss.

Sari with four former Acklam Grange pupils – August 2014