Two young sisters from Harrow, aged just four and eight, have been left orphaned after the tragic deaths of both their parents within just 18 days.
Their mother, Bharti Patoliya, passed away after a battle with cancer. Following her death, their father, Arjun Patoliya, travelled to India to scatter her ashes in Gujarat, fulfilling her final wish.
Tragically, Arjun was one of the victims of the Air India flight disaster earlier this week. He died shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on his journey back home to the UK.
A fundraiser launched by close friends and family describes the unimaginable heartbreak the girls are now facing.
“In a span of just 18 days, two young sisters — only 4 and 8 years old — have lost both of their beloved parents,” the fundraiser reads. “Arjun left to bid farewell to his wife, never returned to the children they both raised.”
The campaign, titled A Family’s Tragedy — Help Secure a Future for Arjun and Bharti’s Daughters, aims to raise money to support the girls and ensure they are cared for in the years ahead.
It states: “This campaign, set up by close family and friends, aims to provide security, stability, and love in the years ahead. Your support will help:
- Provide a stable, nurturing home and safe environment
- Ensure continued access to education and emotional support
- Establish trusted long-term wellbeing care
- Build a future rooted in love, healing, and opportunity.”
The organisers have confirmed that all funds raised will go directly to a legal trust or the girls’ appointed guardians, to ensure the money is used solely for their care.
The page adds: “No amount is too small. Your support will make a lasting impact on this young family’s life. Please donate and share this campaign with your network — let’s come together to make a real difference in their lives.”
You can find the fundraiser by searching A Family’s Tragedy – Help Secure a Future for Arjun and Bharti’s Daughters on GoFundMe.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
