HAPPY and giggling, three-year-old Victoria Go-Bembrige is pictured smiling for a nursery photo just days before she went on holiday to the Philippines with her family – and straight into the path of Typhoon Haiyan.
The "bubbly and chatty" youngster is missing, feared dead, after the devastating typhoon tore through the island of Tacloban.
Victoria, pictured, was holidaying there with her mum, Maybelle Go, and Maybelle's partner, Colin Bembridge, of Scartho, who also remain missing in the aftermath of the natural disaster.
Now, Victoria's young playmates at Scartho Nursery have launched an appeal to donate to the relief effort in her honour.
As reported, Mr Bembridge, 62, of Waltham Road, and his family were in San Jose, which is on the coast of Tacloban. They were staying in the area where Maybelle's family is based – and where the worst of the storm hit.
Liz Jeffrey, head teacher of Scartho Nursery, said its children, staff and governors were shocked by the disaster and paid tribute to a "bubbly, chatty, happy little girl".
She said: "You never expect to discover that someone you know has been caught up in such a major catastrophe on what should have been a delightful family holiday.
"Victoria has only been part of our school family for a few months, but has already made an impact on us all with her infectious smile and cheeky giggle.
"She settled in really quickly and started forming friendships with her peer group from day one.
"Victoria is a bubbly, little girl who is so enthusiastic about all aspects of learning and loves to be in school with her friends.
"She is very outgoing and chatty with both adults and peers and is so happy and excited when she has a success or discovers something new."
A collection box has been passed around the classrooms, and parents and children and staff have so far raised nearly £50 for the Disasters Emergency Committee, which is supervising disaster relief for the stricken communities.
Mrs Jeffrey said: "We have explained why we are doing this to the children by talking about Victoria going on holiday.
"But having to say why she is not back yet, without upsetting them, is difficult.
"We have talked about a big storm where her grandma lives and how people had to leave their houses so quickly, they have got lost and their families are trying to find them.
"We explained it is just like when we lose something, sometimes we find it quickly and sometimes it takes longer, and it's taking time to find Victoria.
"We are all missing her and her family, especially the children in her group. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this dreadful time and we all hope for good news in the very near future and that Victoria will return safely to us."
Victoria's nursery teacher, Sarah Bate, said: "She was a bubbly, happy girl and loved learning. She enjoyed playing in the sand pit and in the water corner and she loved painting."
Staff said any member of the community can visit the school in Pinfold Lane, Scartho, to donate money to the appeal.
It is feared the family is among the thousands of people missing, presumed dead, in the disaster which has claimed the lives of more than 5,500 people.
A Foreign and Commonwealth office spokesman said: "We are aware a number of Britons are missing. We are working with local authorities to locate British nationals."
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