Kenneth Lambatan, a UK-based nurse was able to say his last words to her family through a virtual communication from the Philippines. "This is Kenneth. I'm in Saint George's ICU now. They will intubate me now," the final words from the 33-year-old Lambatan before he was intubated in a hospital in the United Kingdom.
His friend Via Salinasal was on his bedside in full protective equipment during his final moments has paid a tearful tribute, during an interview with iTV.
She said, she was holding the hand of her best friend of 20 years the time he died at St. Thomas' Hospital on Monday, April 27.
Salinasal said she received a call from St. Thomas Hospital, informing her that Lambatan was not going to survive.
"I was at work when I got the call from the consultant that Kenneth is dying and I begged the doctor if he could give him more time and he said 'Via, I don't think that's going to make any difference," she said.
"I said 'can I visit him, can I see him because his family is not here?'
"I'm so thankful to St Thomas's Hospital because they allowed me to hold his hand.
"As I was holding his hand I just thought of his friends and family who would rather be in my place and it's comforting to know he didn't die alone," she added.
She described Lambatan as an extraordinary person, son, brother, nurse, colleague and friend. He was larger-than-life and sparked joy and laughter wherever he went.
Sadly, Ken died without any of his family members close by, as they are all in the Philippines. The agony and loneliness his family must feel is unimaginable.
Lambatan was a cardiac research nurse at ST George's Hospital in United Kingdom (UK). He came from his hometown in Cagayan de Oro City.
For those who want to help Lambatan's family, Via Salinasal has organised a GoFundMe to any amount for the fallen hero.
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