UK Thalassaemia Society sadly loses one of its members

On Monday 4th May 2020, the UK Thalassaemia Society (UKTS) sadly lost a member and a great friend, Loucas Louca, taken too soon at the age of 52, after a valiant battle with pneumonia.

“Loucas was an amazing soul, full of life, a bubbly personality and he touched every person he came into contact with,” UKTS said in a statement.

“This has been difficult news for us to accept as we hate losing any of members. We hope our angels rest in peace and know they are always on our minds!”

Loucas was born on 26 September 1967 in Athens and came to the UK with his family in 1968. He attended Christchurch CofE Secondary School in North Finchley and then studied Graphic Art & Design at Woodhouse College.

He was a Thalassaemic who was determined for that not to limit him in life.

Throughout the late 90s – 2000s, Loucas enjoyed a TV/film career, playing a selection of various characters and disguises in TV shows such as Eastenders, The Bill and Silent Witness, and movies including Gladiator, Batman: The Dark Knight, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Spice World, as well as a number of James Bond and Star Wars movies.

He was a distributor of wellness and beauty products – Forever Living, and for the last eight years, he was an active member of the board at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangel Michael in Margate; he was right man to Father Vissarion-Nikolaos Kokliotis and loved being part of the community, helping and supporting his church and chanting psalms every Sunday.

Everyone who knew Loucas said his smile lit up the room and that they were blessed to have him in their lives.

He leaves behind his wife Debbie, his three beautiful children Sophia, Kyriacos and Marina (from his first marriage to Liz), parents Eva (from Kallithea, Athens, Greece) and Kyriacos (from Kontea, Famagusta, Cyprus), sisters Marina, Andrea, Christina, Georgina and Anna, brother Alex, and granddaughter Eva, as well as many more that loved him including his stepsons, nieces, nephews, friends and work colleagues.

As was his wish, and as soon as current circumstances allow, Louca will be buried in his beloved Greece. A funeral service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of The Twelve Apostles, Brookmans Park, on Thursday 4 June for immediate family.

For those wishing to send flowers, the family instead kindly request a donation towards the production of the new season of The Chosen, the first ever multi-season TV series about the life of Jesus, which Loucas loved watching over and over again during our Easter period. Paying it forward finances Season 2 and allows viewers around the world to see the show free – https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen/pay-it-forward

If you would like to contribute or for further details, please contact Loucas’ sister, Andrea Louca via WhatsApp – 0030 6951 676402.

Loucas, may you Rest In Peace.

In Loving Memory of Loucas Louca (1967-2020)

With immense sadness, we announce that on Monday 4th May 2020, at 3pm, our world turned upside down when our precious Loucas, only 52-years-old, was taken from us too soon.
He was a Thalassaemic who was determined for that not to limit him in life. He finally succumbed after a valiant battle against pneumonia on his 8th wedding anniversary with his wife Debbie (Angeliki).
Born on 26 September 1967 in Athens, Louca came to the UK with his family in 1968. He attended Christchurch CofE Secondary School in North Finchley and then studied Graphic Art & Design at Woodhouse College.
He enjoyed a TV/film career in the late 90s – 2000s, playing a selection of various characters and disguises in TV shows such as Eastenders, The Bill and Silent Witness, and movies including Gladiator, Batman: The Dark Knight, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Spice World, as well as a number of James Bond and Star Wars movies.
He was a member of the UK Thalassaemia Society, a distributor of wellness and beauty products – Forever Living, and for the last eight years, he was an active member of the board at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangel Michael in Margate; he was right man to Father Vissarion-Nikolaos Kokliotis and loved being part of the community, helping and supporting his church and chanting psalms every Sunday.
He leaves behind his wife Debbie (Angeliki), his three beautiful children Sophia, Kyriacos and Marina (from his first marriage to Liz), parents Eva (from Kallithea, Athens, Greece) and Kyriacos (from Kontea, Famagusta, Cyprus), sisters Marina, Andrea, Christina, Georgina and Anna, brother Alex, and granddaughter Eva, as well as many more that loved him including his stepsons, nieces, nephews, friends and work colleagues.
Everyone who knew him said his smile lit up the room and that they were blessed to have him in their lives. We know he is no longer in pain and will watch over us until we meet again.
As was his wish, and as soon as current circumstances allow, Louca will be buried in his beloved Greece. A funeral service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of The Twelve Apostles, Brookmans Park, on Thursday 4 June for immediate family.
For those wishing to send flowers, the family instead kindly request a donation towards the production of the new season of The Chosen, the first ever multi-season TV series about the life of Jesus, which Loucas loved watching over and over again during our Easter period. Paying it forward finances Season 2 and enables others around the world to watch the show free – https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen/pay-it-forward
If you would like to contribute or for further details, please contact Loucas’ sister, Andrea Louca via WhatsApp – 0030 6951 676402.
May he Rest In Peace.

Below the family pays tribute to a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle and grandfather who was so dearly loved…..

IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED LOUCAS

My darling husband and soul mate, it’s with a heavy heart that I write these words to you – I cannot begin to express the loss I’m feeling since you left, but knowing the strength of your faith, I feel sure that you are with the Lord and no longer suffering for the first time.
You always spoke of how we completed each other, two sides of the same circle, I now understand what you meant, as I now feel so incomplete. Our favourite expression to each other was: “I’ll love you til the end”, although we had our struggles, we definitely did… didn’t we. So my beautiful Loucas, til we meet again… love you til the end…
Your wife, Angeliki Xxxx

Daddy, there are no words at times like these, especially to describe someone as beautiful and complicated as you. Your soul longed for God and now you are reunited, so you know our hearts and minds in a different way now. Guide us well so we might meet again. Love you always and memory eternal.
Your babies Sophia Eleni, Kyriacos Thomas, Marina Zoe

I’m sitting here not knowing where to start – It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I have so many beautiful, happy memories of my precious brother Louca.
He was a very protective big brother, he was very, very loving and caring. As kids, I would follow him everywhere, looking forward to our next adventure. I remember as we were climbing trees once, he fell down and wounded himself – I was so scared I wanted to go home to get help but he yelled “no, don’t leave me” so I stayed by his side.
We would do silly things like throw tomatoes at passers-by from the mountains in Greece in our beloved Kalamos, or sneak out of the house to play football while our parents were having a siesta! I also had this fascination with the fact that we had exactly the same hands – twin hands!
When we spoke on the phone, he would go into a detailed account as to what he was doing at the time, whether it was fixing his garden, doing the plumbing, or building a new kitchen, and then when he’d tell me he needed to get off the phone because he had too much to do, I would say: “I only wanted to ask you something quick and you’ve given me graphic descriptions on what you’re doing!”
He would always end our phone conversations with “Love you Marina”, like he didn’t believe I knew that and he would always ask for forgiveness or say sorry if he was irritated about something. He was truly a humble, beautiful, loving soul. He was my big bro Louca and I’m going to miss him so much.
Your sister Marina (Super Marine Spitfire)

The kindest, loving, gentlest natured being I have ever met – my older, well respected, much loved, understanding, compassionate, loving, caring, giving, adorable big brother Loucas. Only two years older than me, he called me his twin sister Ange, due to our common blood disorder Thalassaemia we were both challenged with – my pain was his and his pain was mine. He was there to comfort me through my ongoing health issues, as I was able to understand and support him with his. His recent joy was that I achieved the 50 age mark: “Here you are at a great achievement – your 50th birthday! Glory be to God…YOU LIVE!” he wrote in my birthday card.
As an older brother, he took his responsibility seriously, forever looking out for me, protecting me, guarding me, speaking on my behalf wherever needed, encouraging me in all that I ever wanted to do, acknowledging and recognising all that I did and forever proud.
In October 2019, when he found out I had just arrived from Greece, he arrived at my door step in Stevenage with his youngest daughter Marina, with such a burst of energy; the house lit up and he filled the space with his non-stop ability of sharing his knowledge and making an impact on all.
I have many untold and fond memories shared with my precious big brother throughout my 50 years that I hold deep and dear in my heart.
Loucas was always looking to help and support others wherever and whenever possible. He always made himself available to help our father Kyriacos (who we call Koulis Giris Tou Spitiou), whether it was to set up a Facebook account for him to be able to interact with all his children, or to deal with his bank and hospital letters.
He absolutely adored our mother Evanthia (Yalanomata Mas) and knew that the greatest gift he could ever give her was to follow in her footsteps in the way that she loved and cherished Our Lord Jesus Christ and Saviour.
Loucas was a proud father, always standing by his three children Sophia, Kyriaco and Marina. He was concerned for their wellbeing, he was active on their school parent board, organising and attending events, he supported and encouraged Kyriaco on the football ground of most Potters Bar United games, and on holidays in Greece and Cyprus, he would play and fool around, acting like a kid with them. He was also an extremely proud grandfather to adorable young Eva, his granddaughter.
He encouraged his nephews and nieces to strive forward by teaching discipline where needed. I remember when I told him that my son John was in the army and I was going to see him in Crete receive his wings, he said: “Make sure you tell him uncle Loucas is real proud of him and that he wished he also could have done parachuting if he was not challenged with Thalassaemia.”
He loved and adored my daughter Melanie and appreciated her good manners.
His love for our Lord Jesus Christ meant that over the past 10 years, his sole mission was to dedicate his life to him by being a good respectable Christian, being at church every Sunday, having regular confessions and taking Holy Communion, having asked everybody he knew to forgive him first. I know he had a heartfelt conversation with Our Father in Heaven and was given the peace and tranquillity his thirsty soul so desired.
We are now bidding you farewell our precious Loucas as you have detached from your bodily form, but knowing deep within our hearts that with God’s grace, your soul will be watching over your loved ones until we meet again in His Kingdom as our mother taught and teaches us: ΑΙΤΙΤΑΙ ΠΡΩΤΑΝ ΤΗΝ ΒΑΣΙΛΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΟΥΡΑΝΩΝ Κ ΤΑΥΤΑ ΠΑΝΤΑ ΠΡΟΣΤΕΘΙΣΕΤΕ! ΑΜΗΝ.
Love you and will miss you forever.
Your sister Andrea (Ange the Grunge)

It has been 21 days since the passing of my beloved and only brother, my big bro… a few words are never going to be enough to describe the relationship I had with my brother, neither the words I use will be good enough to express the emotions we as a family have felt as a whole.
How can I describe the pain of a father and a mother losing a son…their first born, their leventi? I guess my mother is better off than us all, as for the past few years she has suffered with Alzheimer’s; we have decided to not keep reminding her of Loucas’ passing, so she, in her own little world, thinks that her son is at home, just getting on with things.
Thank God we have been blessed with a big family and in our pain, have had each other to talk to and cry rivers, sometimes together and other times alone. I find my strength and comfort in knowing he is now in a much better place, in the beautiful embrace of his/our beloved Jesus Christ, The Holy Mother of God, the Saints and all the Angels he so loved and spoke of with so much passion and zeal.
How can I be so selfish to not be happy for my big brother if all I really ever wanted was his happiness. Of course I cried and cried like a baby because, oh my God, I will miss him!!! I will miss our long international calls, talking for hours on the phone or via Skype or messenger. I will have to come to terms with my brother not coming to his beloved homeland Greece on holiday to visit his beloved family. I will miss the fact that his dream of retiring and returning to the country of his birth will now never happen.
Again, I take comfort in knowing he is now looking down on us from up above. I know he is with us in spirit and he will now be able to look after us better than he could in the restrictions of his tired body.
My big bro was always someone to look up to. He was strong spirited, he had to be with his illness. He was 7 years older than me and was always my inspiration growing up. You would think that having Thalassaemia he would be weak, but hell no! We would play football together and boy was my brother stubborn. He had the same stamina to outrun others if he was on a full tank of blood! This on its own is a miracle.
We would also play badminton when I was around the age of 12-14 and partner up in doubles. He was quick and agile and a very sore loser! He always played to win.
I still remember watching my bro working out in his bedroom, doing his sit-ups, press ups, him standing on one leg while lowering his body and teaching me that balance was as important as strength. I’ll never forget his handstand push ups against the door and walking on his hand up right in the garden. Yes, my thalassaemic bro was superman in my eyes and a true inspiration. I became stronger and wiser because of my close observations and being blessed with having Loucas as a brother.
How can I forget our wrestling matches and how my bro toughened me up and taught me how to sweep the legs of the opponent and how to headlock etc… etc…
What can I say about his bravery when confronted with any form of danger. What about his Evel Knievel stunts on his navy blue chopper bike! On one occasion, the kids round the block had set up a ramp and would compete on who could jump the highest and furthest. My brother on his last attempt that day, fell as he landed and broke a few ribs – when all the kids ran to see if he was alright, Loucas’ only concern, lying on the floor with a winded voice, asked if he had beaten them!! I think my brother must have broken every bone in his body during his life time, always living life without fear.
We also got up to a lot of mischief as brothers which I will keep to myself, thank you!!
Our holidays as children in Greece every year is also another haven of untold memories. I still have our fishing rods and have been preserving them in the hope that one day we would once again set the alarm for 5am to go fishing together by the harbour, on the rocks like we did as young boys.
Loucas would teach me so much. It was never a bore to hang around with my big bro – my wing man and me his – as we would always tell each other.
He had a huge love for music and would in time accumulate some of the best hi-fi equipment, spending most of his wages on music. Being the perfectionist he was, he would always thoroughly research before going out and buying his next piece of equipment.
In the 80s, as the family grew bigger, it was decided that our attic would become a bedroom, with a smaller one next to it which just about fit a bed. The main bedroom would be my bro’s and of course I jumped at the opportunity to move into the little room next to my super big bro! Just recently, before my brother passed, he would say to me while on the phone sharing our childhood memories, that he felt guilt that his little bro had to sleep in such small headquarters! My answer was “Don’t be silly bro…I loved it. Just knowing that I was sleeping next door to my big bro was heaven.” Hearing that put a smile on his face and we laughed about it. We laughed a hell of a lot together. I had a knack of knowing exactly what would trigger him off. He had the most amazing laugh and a very clever and witty humour. How many times we cried with laughter!
One of the saddest moments in my life was when big bro left home to start a new life. Of course I was happy for his blessings of starting a new family, one of his own, but his absence was felt immensely and life as we knew it would change forever. A new chapter had begun.
I’m just so grateful that before he left, I was blessed with so many fond memories, especially of that time of my lodging in the tiny room next to my hero and enjoying those times he would come home with a new vinyl record, be it Michael Jackson’s Bad, Madonna’s True Blue, anything by Kool & the Gang, or yet another Elvis album – he loved the King of Rock n Roll and till this very day, every time I hear an Elvis song, my brother Loucas comes to mind….You will always be on my mind bro!
My brother was also very, very generous, buying some of my best Christmas and birthday presents. How can I forget my new Arsenal kit at the age of 10, or the guitar he bought me, and so many other wonderful gifts he most probably couldn’t afford.
I remember once asking him which vinyl record he would like for his birthday and after much pressurisation, he said he would be happy with the hit at the time, Hot Hot Hot, or The Final Countdown by Europe, so I went out and brought them both. We absolutely loved going out to buy gifts for each other. It was a family thing, only with my brother it was so much easier being the only boys.
Any queries or confusion I had, especially when going through puberty, I had my brother to go to for advice. A luxury my big brother didn’t have.
Loucas was a man of many talents; he was naturally artistic and I feel his talents were wasted due to a lifetime of trials and tribulations. I have the honour of owning some of his pencil drawings and have always looked after and admired them.
There was nothing my brother couldn’t do when he put his mind to it, especially anything to do with the arts, woodwork, DIY jobs around the house or gardening.
My goal in life will be to keep his legacy alive the best way I know how, just as I have done for my grandfather and all family members who have passed, by doing my best in preserving anything of his that will bring back sweet memories we all shared with him.
Farewell my dear brother, farewell. Kalo Paradeiso Adelfe!
Your brother Alex (Kojak)

Αντιο αδελφέ μου αγαπημένε μου, ψυχή μου όμορφη ευλογημένη. Μες στη ζωη σου αυτή τη δυσκολη, με ολο θλιψεις και πόνους και χαρές, αναζητούσες τον Κύριο και ζούσες τον Λόγο Του ειδικά τα τελευταία χρόνια, πολυ πιστά και ζεστά. Για αυτό μόνο χαίρομαι μες στη λύπη μου που έφυγες και μας άφησες για την Ουράνια Βασιλεία που, εύχομαι να βρεθούμε και να ανταμώσουμε αιώνια ολοι μαζί.
Σ’αγαπώ πολύ, θα μου λείψεις πάρα πολύ.
Σε βλέπω μπροστά μου, σε ακούω στα αυτιά μου και έυχομαι να μείνει έτσι και να σε έχω στην καρδιά μου γιατί είσαι ένα κομμάτι της που θα κρατάω παντοτινά.
Καλό Παράδεισο ψυχούλα. Εις το επανειδήν. Η αδελφούλα σου, η Χριστινούλα σου.
Your sister Christina (Turtle)

My beloved, dear brother Loucas, this is so hard for me. I was still a toddler when you left that we never really got the chance to spend the time that I would have liked with you, yet you always did your utmost to be there for me. I remember once you started your own family, all I ever wanted was to be there to help you; I loved the fact that I could spend time at your house babysitting your children, it was the best. You were always someone to look up to, I could always feel the love and your consideration for us all.
When I moved to Greece, far away from most of my siblings, you were still there for me; even from a distance you would guide me, offer your advice and make sure I was in a good place. When we both came close to God, was the time we actually bonded and our conversations would go on for hours, full of love and tranquillity. You were always concerned about your family, you always told me how much you loved your children and worried about them, wishing they are safe and happy, and I would tell you that I’d always be there for them in any way that I can to help them, comfort them, listen to them and guide them. They are what is left of you now and it gives me peace to be around them.
I thank God he allowed us to spend one last time together when I visited England and we really made the most of it. Our last conversation was over the phone, just before you were admitted to hospital – your wishes were to have the courage that our Saints had through their difficult times for our Jesus Christ and that maybe one day God could give you the strength to go through something as difficult to show your love for Jesus Christ. I believe your wishes were heard and granted and now you have a beautiful place in heaven with our Jesus, Panagia and all the Saints; this gives me strength and courage to go on and not be sad.
You suffered all your life and were an example to follow, you were full of love and forgiveness and you always made us laugh. I will truly miss you. Hopefully we will all be together one day in the beautiful hands and Kingdom of God where we will truly find peace my beautiful brother. Love you so much, you will be dearly missed.
Your baby sister Georgina (IG Flash)

4th May…the hardest day of my life…..I never imagined I would be writing this, not so soon. With a broken heart, I would like to say my little bit about my most beautiful, amazingly sweet and kind hearted big brother Loucas.
As the youngest sister, I have few memories of Loucas growing up, but those I do have are so alive in my heart and mind.
As I was sent to live in Greece at the age of five, I never really got to know you but growing up, I always felt so much love for you and missed you dearly, always craving for your hugs! I only saw you when you visited on holiday, but it was never enough for me and I know you felt the same way.
Returning to England at the age of 12, I was so happy that all I could think of was being around you and staying over at yours to babysit your little munchkins which was one of my favourite things to do. I was also happy to help out by cooking for the family as you and Liz were working.
You would walk in with your beautiful, big smile and hug me, telling me it should be “me looking after you” – I know you always felt guilty for not being around in my younger years.
You were forever apologising and asking for forgiveness, up until the last time we spoke a few weeks before you left us. I never felt you had to because you did nothing wrong. You were there Louca mou!!!! Always in my heart. You always advised me well.
I remember when you opened the salon FAB and I was a beautician there; we were so happy working together and you were the best boss I ever had! But by the age of 19, I had to leave for Greece again, to do my own thing and was hoping to settle down. I will never forget how sad and upset you were – you begged me to stay and I was in such a dilemma as I didn’t want to leave you but at the same time, I was very much in love. It broke my heart to leave you and return to Greece – I’m so sorry, I hope you forgave me.
We are now separated once again but this time it is more heart-breaking. On the other hand, I am happy you have gone to our great God and you are finally resting my precious beloved brother. You suffered enough – this always broke my heart too but even though you had a tough life with plenty of struggles, you always wanted the best for all of us.
We will truly miss you, you were one of a kind! Love you so much.
Your little baby sister Anna (Froggy)

As a kid, I would call you Loucas and you would shout at me: “Hey, I’m not just Loucas to you, I’m your uncle!” That to me is a memory I will never forget and I will make sure my nieces and nephews call me aunty too. I love you dearly uncle and I’ll miss you so much.
Your niece Eva

Αγαπητέ Θείε Λουκά – Η Βοήθεια σου στην Ζωή μου ήταν αυστηρή αλλά ομώς συγκινητική με μεγάλα νοήματα! Αυτό μου έδειξε οτι νιαζόσουν για εμένα! Μου στάθηκες σαν πατέρας κ σε ευχαριστώ για αυτο κ αξιοποιηώντας αναμνήσεις κ θα σε έχω στης προσευχές μου για το υπόλοιπο χρόνο της ζωης μου μέχρι να ξανα ανταμαμοσουμε στην Αιώνιον Ζωή…΄Ανω Ιερουσαλήμ … Σε Αγαπω Με Αγαπη το Ανυψακη σου Μανολος… Αιώνια Η Μνήμη Δικιά Σου κ Δικιά Μου … Δόκιμος Μοναχός – ΆΓΙΟ ΌΡΟΣ …
Your nephew Emmanuel

Earlier this week, we lost a member and a great friend to us; Loucas Louca. Loucas was an amazing soul, full of life, a bubbly personality and he touched every person he came into contact with. This has been difficult news for us to accept as we hate losing any of members. We hope our angels rest in peace and know they are always on our minds!
UK Thalassaemia Society