SINGAPORE - Rachel Ho is one of Singaporean faces of the Sabah quake tragedy. The 12-year-old died in the earthquake at Mount Kinabalu last Friday that has claimed the lives of six children and a teacher from Tanjong Katong Primary School and an adventure guide.
Her father James Ho, a 45-year-old banker, told The Straits Times it was comforting to know that the whole nation was behind them.
He said: "When it was announced that Monday (June 8) would be a national day of remembrance, we were very touched.
"I'm thankful that we have given Rachel 12 wonderful years and she has given us 12 even more wonderful years."
Mr Ho said Rachel had a passion for netball and dreamed of being on the national team one day.
He said she had played for the school team for the past three years.
One of the last things the family did together was to watch the June 1 Singapore-Thailand netball match during the ongoing South-east Asia Games in Singapore.
On Monday afternoon, the national netball team paid a visit to Rachel's wake, presenting Mr Ho with an autographed plastic medal.
Choking on tears, Mr Ho said: "Rachel would have been very touched and I wish she were here to see this."
