Family Tributes To Bristol Nurse

Cathedral mass for hoax call nurse

Jacintha Saldanha's family arrive at Westminster Cathedral. Photo: Sang Tan/AP/Press Association Images

A mass has been held at Westminster Cathedral for the Bristol nurse who was found dead after being duped by a prank call from two Australian radio DJs.

Mother-of-two Jacintha Saldanha, 46, from Southmead, was found hanging in her nurses' quarters at King Edward VII's Hospital by a colleague and a security guard last Friday.

The nurse transferred the DJs, believing they were the Queen and Prince of Wales, to a colleague who described in detail the condition of the Duchess of Cambridge during her hospital stay for severe pregnancy sickness.

Following the service, Ms Saldanha's husband Benedict Barboza and two children Junal and Lisha paid an emotional tribute to a "kind-hearted, generous and well-respected woman".

My wife, you were the light in my darkness, who always showed me the way forward.

From the day we met, you always stood by me in times of hardship and happiness.

I feel a part of me has been ripped out.

Without your beautiful smile and sparkling personality, the house is an empty place to live.

Nineteen years of togetherness with a strong bond of affection and understanding will be cherished forever in my life.

Your loss is a very painful one and nobody can take that place in my life ever again. I love you and miss you forever.

– Benedict Barboza, Jacintha Saldanha's husband
Benedict Barboza reads a tribute to his wife outside Westminster Cathedral with daughter Lisha, 14, son Junal, 16, and Keith Vaz MP (right). Credit: Andy Hepburn/PA Wire

Our mother, kind hearted, generous and a well respected woman in both of our lives. You were the core of the family who kept is together.

In times of difficulty you showed us the way forward to happiness and success.

Your priority for us was a good education and a bright future. You taught us right from wrong which we appreciate.

You worked tirelessly to give us everything that we have today. When we achieved good grades and merit, your pat on our backs encouraged us more.

– Jacintha Saldanha's son, Junal
Junal, 16, reads a tribute to his mother outside Westminster Cathedral in central London with his father Benedict Barboza. Credit: Andy Hepburn/PA Wire

We will miss your laughter, the loving memories and the good times we had together. The house is an empty dwelling without your presence.

We are shattered and there's an unfillable void in our lives.

We love you mum, sleep in peace and watch over us until me meet again in heaven. We will always love you and keep you close to our heart.

– Jacintha Saldanha's daughter, Lisha
Lisha, 14, speaks to the media as her father Benedict Barboza, listens outside Westminster Cathedral in London. Credit: Sang Tan/AP

Jacintha Saldanha's funeral will take place in Karnataka, India, on Monday, her family said.

Indian-born Ms Saldanha left three notes and also had marks on her wrist when her body was discovered, Westminster Coroner's Court in London heard on Thursday.

The DJs behind the hoax call - Mel Greig and Michael Christian - have given an emotional account of their reaction to Ms Saldanha's death.

Interviewed on Australian TV networks, the presenters said their prank call to the hospital prompted "a tragic turn of events no-one could have predicted or expected".

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), the parent company of 2Day FM, has ended the pair's Hot 30 show and suspended prank calls across the company.

The family of Jacintha Saldanha leave Westminster Cathedral after today's mass. Credit: Sang Tan/AP

Watch the full report by Wesley Smith here:

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