‘I’m devastated about people we have lost’

LUCKY . . . Jayne Harthan, from Uppermill, pictured in happier times in Nepal. She says she was lucky to be near the British Embassy when the earthquake struck, and has since helped by working with the embassy to register UK nationals who seek help

In the wake of the massive earthquake that killed at least 7,300 people in Nepal, the Chronicle has spoken to Oldhamers affected by the disaster

The massive earthquake — which registered 7.8 in magnitude — struck on April 25 and has left close to 14,000 people injured and hundreds of thousands homeless.

Thousands of villages have been destroyed with 90 per cent of clinics and schools left completely unusable in some districts.

Among those affected is Jayne Harthan, from Uppermill, who lives and works in Nepal helping disadvantaged children.

She described the moment the earthquake hit, when she was in a restaurant in the Thamel district of the capital, Kathmandu.

“The first shock was scary and caused chaos. By the time of the second shaking we were in a relatively clear area, where we stayed for an hour in a small group. Luckily, our group kept their calm, which helped.

“I had my mum and dad on speed dial and was able to phone them just before the second shake to let them know I was ok.

“After an hour, tremors were less intense so I went to the British Embassy. I cannot say enough how grateful I am to be British and proud of how they responded to the emergency. By 3pm I was sitting in an earthquake-ecure environment and have been here ever since.

“In the embassy I quickly got the job of registering people on their arrival into the system. Being busy has been the best thing. Though my heart wants to run out and help, what I’m doing frees the embassy, Gurkhas from the British Army and the Department for International Development to get on with large-scale relief efforts.

“I was lucky to be near the embassy. I am, of course, devastated about the people lost. Families that I have worked with across Lamjung, Sindhupalchok and other places as well as people in Kathmandu are affected. Now the after effects — people homeless, living outside in open areas, illnesses — are a danger and good friends I know are in this situation. Anyone wanting to donate should send funds through the Nepal Earthquake Appeal.”



AN earthquake relief appeal set up by Oxbridge students — including former Blue Coat pupil Rebecca Cavanagh — has raised £20,000 in only six days.

The fundraisers wanted to do their bit to help the remote and badly affected Helambu region of Nepal.

The students involved have all previously volunteered as teachers in villages in Helambu through the Nepalese Helambu Education and Livelihood Partnership.

Oldhamer John Moore has lived in Kathmandu since 2013 as principal of the British School Kathmandu, which serves the international and local community and runs like a British school.

John and his family were unharmed by the catastrophic event, so his focus has been to help others.

“This was a scary event, but my family and all my friends and colleagues are all unharmed,” he said

“The people of Nepal are warm, friendly and humble, but many of them are very poor and live in remote communities that have been devastated by the earthquake.”

The school has close relations with other schools that have suffered very badly.

John is appealing to anyone able to donate money to help his school and its partners to continue their work. Visit www.tbskath mandu.org to donate or for more information.


David Oglaza works with Oldham Citizens Advice Bureau and is a volunteer trustee of small charity Global Action Nepal.

David volunteered in Nepal 10 years ago for six months teaching English in rural villages, improving schools, training teachers and promoting gender equality.

David said: “A number of schools we work with have been damaged.”

Donate by visiting www.mydonate.bt.com/events/rebuildnepal.


A Saddleworth wine merchant is donating 10p from every bottle sold to UNICEF’s appeal fund in the wake of the earthquake.

Julian Garratt (33), who owns the Wine Vault in High Street, Uppermill, says the donation will apply to all beers, wines and spirits sold until the shop closes on Sunday.

Julian said: “My father Phil and I have had wonderful times in Nepal trekking with friends, and we have always been greeted with the utmost respect and the greatest welcome by the people of Nepal.

“Whatever we raise will be sent to support the huge effort needed to start to help them rebuild their lives. It might not be much, but it’ll be a start,” he added.

Marketing firm Team Spirit, from Greenfield, has agreed to match the total raised by The Wine Vault by Monday.


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