A COFFEE morning has been held to help the family of a Samoan woman living in the North-East who lost seven relatives during the recent earthquake and tsunami.

People in Stanley were moved when they heard how an aunt and six cousin of Tino Tupou had lost their lives and wanted to help.

Mrs Tupou, 62, of Benfieldside Road, Shotley Bridge, near Consett, County Durham, said: “We are a close family so it is really bad.

“All of the houses have washed away and so have my grandparents graves. There are not the materials there to rebuild.

“It is obviously sad but as we are a spiritual people we are not going to embittered by what has happened.”

The 8.3-magnitude quake struck on the morning of Tuesday September 29 generating 15ft waves in some areas of the islands.

Residents and tourists fled to higher ground as whole villages were destroyed.

Boats were swept inland while cars and people out to sea.

Almost 200 people are thought to have died in Samoa and the surrounding islands.

Mrs Tupou, a mother of seven and grandmother of ten, is the wife of retired Methodist minister Reverend Ioane Tupou who is back in Samoa helping people rebuild their lives.

The coffee morning was held at Towneley Court sheltered accommodation in Stanley and people enjoyed a warm drinks and scones as well as a raffle.

Mrs Tupou said: “Samoa is otherwise and idyllic place to live. Some people call it paradise.

“We pray for the strength to rebuild our lives and for the courage to go on. Life must go on. I am grateful for everyone involved in the coffee morning for their kindness. I am quite overwhelmed.”

The morning was organised by long term friend Eliza Morgan and the money will be sent to Samoa.

Miss Morgan, 68, of Shakespeare Close, Stanley, said: “We here have so much more compared to what they do so this is very simple way to highlight what is happening out there.

“The money we raise will go to where it is needed most.”

To make a donation contact Miss Morgan on 01207-232761.