Sea tragedy mum was top Oldham doctor

Uma Ramalingam: killed in tragic attempt to rescue children

TRIBUTES have been paid to Royal Oldham Hospital doctor Uma Ramalingam (42), who died with a friend in Tenerife as they battled to save the lives of their children, who had been swept out to sea.

Olubusola Amu, consultant and clinical director of Women and Children Services at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “We are greatly saddened to hear the death of Uma. She was a fantastic doctor.

“This is a terrible shock to everyone who knew Uma. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time. She will be sorely missed.”

Dr Ramalingam, a consultant obstetrician in Oldham for six years, was on holiday with her friend Barathi Ruvikumar (39) a Lincoln GP, when tragedy struck on Sunday.

The two women went to the aid of their children, who had been swept out to sea by a powerful wave off the coast of Playa Paraiso on the South-West of the island.

Mrs Ramalingam and Mrs Ruvikumar were both pronounced dead at the scene but Uma’s child, aged 10, and Barathi’s, aged 14, were pulled to safety by locals and tourists. The eldest child suffered cuts and bruises and the youngest was taken to hospital with hypothermia.

A third member of their group survived after being resuscitated on the shore.

Raxsana Karim, community midwife at the Royal Oldham Hospital and a friend of Mrs Ramalingam said: “She was absolutely lovely. It’s heartbreaking.”