Havant family pays tribute to caring dad who died in Philippines hospital

Mark Webb paid tribute to his dad Robert Webb who died in a Philippines hospital yesterday morning.

Mr Webb, known as Bob to many of his friends and family, was being treated for Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a serious condition affecting the nervous system, after he collapsed while visiting his wife.

His family had been raising money to pay for his treatment and get him home.

Now, the money raised including cash from a fundraising event held in Havant yesterday will pay for his body to be flown back to England and his medical bills.

Mark, from Havant, said: ‘My dad was bubbly, loving and caring.

‘He loved his children and all his grandchildren and we will miss him. He was fun to be around.’

As previously reported in The News, Mr Webb, 64, was in the Philippines to see his wife, Jennifer, whom he married last year.

He went over in May to help sort out her visa but collapsed while gardening. He was taken to hospital and treated for pneumonia and a suspected stroke.

He was later diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome which required him to have 16 jabs a day.

Mr Webb, a retired builder from Buckland in Portsmouth, did not get travel insurance for the trip even though he had on two previous trips to the islands.

His family said they did not know why he did not get it this time.

They need to raise at least £21,000 to pay for his hospital bills.

To help pay the costs, Park Community School hosted a family fun day.

Mark and his wife Kelly helped organise the event which had bouncy castles, a tombola, stalls, refreshments and cake sales.

It also had people dancing, music and fire engines from Havant fire station.

Mark added: ‘We are happy with the support we have got from everyone.

‘It is really important we still raise the money so we can get my dad’s body flown back to us.

‘It is really sad he’s passed away because this whole fundraising effort was to help with his treatment and get him home.

‘We still have to pay for his hospital bills so want to raise as much as possible.’

So far, more than £1,600 has been raised.

To make a donation visit their fundraising page at gofundme.com/285qtkk.