Sarai Doyinsola Talabi
I am leaving you with a gift -peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.
JOHN 14:27 NLT
Her Story
In Loving Memory of Sarai Doyinsola Segilola Talabi
November 12, 2007 – February 21, 2025
With profound sadness, we share the passing of our beloved Sarai, who left us far too soon on 21st February 2025, at just 17 years old, after a short but courageous battle with an extremely rare and aggressive cancer.
Though her time with us was heartbreakingly brief, Sarai lived with a warmth, kindness, and determination that inspired everyone she met. She was a compassionate and giving soul — always putting others first, always ready with a smile, and always driven to stand up for what she believed was right.
Many knew her as Chef Segicooks, a name that reflected her love of cooking and the joy she found in bringing people together through food. She was also a dedicated student at Chislehurst School for Girls, studying History, Religious Studies, and Media, with dreams of making a difference in the world.
Her Journey
Sarai’s first symptoms appeared in November 2024, just after her 17th birthday. She became severely anaemic and was admitted to hospital for blood transfusions. With her symptoms seeming manageable and painless at first, she was discharged and returned to school.
Soon after, her condition worsened. She was rushed from Princess Royal Hospital to King’s College Hospital’s specialist urology team, where doctors discovered a mass. On Christmas Eve, she underwent what was meant to be a 2–3 hour robotic surgery to remove her kidney. The procedure turned into an open surgery lasting over seven hours.
In true Sarai spirit, on Christmas morning she put on a brave face — sitting with her family, pretending to eat Christmas dinner despite the pain and nausea, even getting excited for presents she later didn’t remember opening.
On New Year’s Day 2025, she was discharged. A week later, we returned for her results. The mass was confirmed as cancer — an extremely rare and highly aggressive type that almost exclusively affects young people with the sickle cell trait. Until that moment, we had never even heard of it, despite 3 of her 5 siblings carrying the trait — as do many others in the Black community.
At first, we were told all visible cancer had been removed and the 21 lymph nodes taken showed no spread. We hoped the worst was behind us. But scans soon revealed the cancer had returned — this time to her spleen.
She was readmitted and prepared for transfer to the Royal Marsden Teenage Unit in Sutton. Before that, she was sent to Chelsea to stabilise her blood levels, spending much of her time in the Critical Care Unit. Eventually she was moved to a hospice-style ward — which she believed was temporary, while waiting for a bed at the teenage unit. In reality, this would be where she spent her final weeks.
Her Final Days
Sarai faced everything — surgery, nausea, endless hospital stays, more than 25 blood transfusions, and even an attempted round of immunotherapy — with extraordinary bravery. Even in pain, she was smiling, hopeful, and thinking of others.
On 21st February 2025, surrounded by her loving family, Sarai passed away peacefully at 9:00pm — less than four months after her first symptoms, and under two months after her major surgery. She leaves behind her parents, Kehinde and Philip; her cherished siblings, Janet, Michael, Miriam, and Rachel; and countless friends, classmates, and loved ones whose lives were forever brightened by her presence.
Her Legacy
Sarai’s story is not only one of love and loss — it is also a call to action. This rare cancer linked to the sickle cell trait is devastatingly under-researched. It disproportionately affects young Black people, yet awareness in the community is dangerously low.
We are committed to:
* Funding research into this cancer
* Raising awareness in communities at risk
* Promoting blood donation, which gave us precious extra time with Sarai
Join Us – Gala in Memory of Sarai
We invite you to join us for a special gala celebrating Sarai’s life and raising vital funds for research and awareness.
https://buytickets.at/saraitalabigalafundraiser/1739732
📅 Saturday 22nd November 2025📍 Bromley Court Hotel
🎟 All profits from this event, after covering necessary event costs, will go toward establishing a new charity in Sarai’s honour (currently in formation and not yet a registered charity) and funding its first projects.
Sarai’s light will never fade. By telling her story, we hope to save lives and ensure no other family has to endure what we have.
Rest well, beautiful Sarai. You were a gift to this world, and we will love you always. ❤️
#ForSarai #ChefSegicooks #BloodDonationSavesLives #SickleCellAwareness #CancerResearch #GalaForGood
Gallery
Memory wall
Post your condolences or share your Memories.
November 22, 2025
Dear beautiful Sarai, you brave girl, it’s clear that you loved and are very loved in this life. Fond memories and continued love will remain with your friends and family, until you all meet again at the right hand side of the Lord. Sleep tight in perfect peace princess, we will keep your legacy going 💖
October 31, 2025
Dear Sarai, i miss you dearly.. it hurts my heart to know youre gone and only faintly remember our last moments. But i will always vividly remember your contagious smile and your heartwarming generosity and selflessness. I know you are where you need to be right now, ill never forget you and you are always in my heart. Forever 🫶🏾.
September 2, 2025
2
As your remembrance gala night draws closer, and brings all your friends and family together, we continue to grief, and at the same time celebrate your unshakeable spirit. Your light and smile will never dim. We continue to ask why.
As Stevie Wonder reminds us:
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That we'll be loving you always
Uncle Dayo, Cousins Motti and Lorenzo, Aunties Gaby and Laura, and Sara
As Stevie Wonder reminds us:
As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That we'll be loving you always
Uncle Dayo, Cousins Motti and Lorenzo, Aunties Gaby and Laura, and Sara
August 15, 2025
3
Your light will never fade. Love you my Segi.
March 5, 2025
Dear Doyin,
We prayed, we hoped, and we longed for a different outcome. In our hearts, we pleaded for God to hear us in our own ways. But His ways are not always our ways, and now, instead of holding you close, we entrust you to His perfect embrace.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
You have become a light beyond this world, a gentle angel watching over your beloved family—your parents, your siblings, and all who love you so dearly. The weight of your absence is almost unbearable, a sorrow too deep for words. Yet, we find solace in knowing that you are now at peace, wrapped in eternal love of God.
May the Lord, the source of all comfort, uphold your family in His tender arms during this time of unimaginable pain. May He grant them strength, peace, and the assurance that one day, they will see you again.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Rest peacefully, beautiful Doyin. You will always be loved, always remembered.
Lara xx
We prayed, we hoped, and we longed for a different outcome. In our hearts, we pleaded for God to hear us in our own ways. But His ways are not always our ways, and now, instead of holding you close, we entrust you to His perfect embrace.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
You have become a light beyond this world, a gentle angel watching over your beloved family—your parents, your siblings, and all who love you so dearly. The weight of your absence is almost unbearable, a sorrow too deep for words. Yet, we find solace in knowing that you are now at peace, wrapped in eternal love of God.
May the Lord, the source of all comfort, uphold your family in His tender arms during this time of unimaginable pain. May He grant them strength, peace, and the assurance that one day, they will see you again.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Rest peacefully, beautiful Doyin. You will always be loved, always remembered.
Lara xx
March 5, 2025
May Sarai’s beautiful soul rest in peace. Sarai really meant a lot to me and im pretty sure she meant alot to everyone as well.She has always been a generous person who was very thoughtful and supportive. I thank god till this day for all the moments i got to spend with her from year 7 onwards like, going into y10 maths lessons just to sit there laughing about the jokes she made and watching movies on her phone whilst helping each other with maths questions and preparing for exams, like the days where in y7 she would come up to me and braid my hair which always made me feel special, like the days she would let me practice my henna designs on her during lessons while she sat there encouraging me every single minute, like the days in english where we both had a different copy of the book to everyone else and we would both be so confused together, like the precious bus journey home we both had and many more beautiful memories which im very grateful for till this day and which i will cherish forever. She was one of the sweetest girls i’ve ever been friends with, her smile was so beautiful and bright everytime, which always made me smile aswell. Im so grateful i got a chance to be Sarai’s friend and to receive the love and kindness she had given to everyone.There has never been a day where i hadn’t been happy or smiling when being with Sarai, She always made sure everyone was okay. Sarai was also a very thoughtful girl aswell as she made sure everyone was included. I will forever love and Miss Sarai. May God bless her and may her gorgeous soul rest in peace💕🕊️💕
March 5, 2025
Our love and thoughts to the entire family.
Not a second passes without us thinking of fond cherishiable memories of Doyin. We will always remember her kindness and smile.
Rest peacefully Doyin.
Olabisi & Feyi
Not a second passes without us thinking of fond cherishiable memories of Doyin. We will always remember her kindness and smile.
Rest peacefully Doyin.
Olabisi & Feyi
March 5, 2025
Sarai, I have known you since you were 7. Joining our brownie pack and later going on to guide’s. You always had a smile on your face. A warm and kind heart. Always a part of what was going on, helping others and rising to challenges. It was a pleasure to be able to be your leader. See you grow and become a wonderful young lady. You have be taken from the world far too soon but I know that you will be at peace. God bless you lovely girl.
March 5, 2025
I first saw you when you were only a few weeks old on your mother’s chest. When I saw you next, you were a beautiful young lady, telling your mother off and asking her not to be silly. Now you rest in peace with your heavenly father until we meet again.
March 4, 2025
It was a pleasure to have known and taught Sarai. Being her head of year, director of studies and teacher meant watching Sarai grow into a kind, friendly and conscientious young woman. Her smile lit up the room and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
March 3, 2025
Reading a lot of the messages below just shows how much of a kind, sweet and warm soul you were towards everyone. I only met you a handful of times because of your big sister Janet but always remember how sweet you were. Taken way too soon but God knows best. Rest easy Sarai and continue to rest with the Lord in peace xx
March 3, 2025
1
When Sarai was born I decided she was my daughter and that her mother Kehinde was only the surrogate. I had sons by her uncle Taiwo and no daughter so I would just commandeer her and make her my own. Afterall she was carrying the twin DNA anyway.
So I called her My Sosola and she wasn’t just a cousin to my sons Myron and Lovéll! She was their sister. My last born. This was a family joke that was even endorsed by grandmother Janet and grandad James.
Doyinsola you had such a profound impact on our lives even though it’s been cut short and rather abruptly! A beautiful soul with a curious mind! Always eager to learn and asking a million questions! Soft spoken but very resolute in your stance. Your beautiful smile, with the Angelic face brightened the room wherever you went.
My heart breaks each time I think about you because saying bye at this tender age is unimaginable! And so I’ll just say see you later my darling daughter. I ask the good Lord to keep you safe in his bosom until I can hug you again.
I always thought the phrase only the good die young was a cliche! I stand corrected because you certainly were too good and way too young. But Alas we will trust in the Lord that you fulfilled your purpose with a life well lived, albeit a short one!
Rest Well My Sosola, and keep watch over all the family especially your “Surrogate Mother” Kehinde. You are missed dearly and will forever be in our hearts! 🙏🏾
Love Always, Auntie Juliette
March 3, 2025
We only started to get really close this year, but our last months are ones I am forever grateful for. I feel honoured to call you my friend, it is something I will hold in my heart for eternity.
I am going to miss your smile and your laughter and you voice. I am going to miss our conversations that I loved more than you can ever know on the most random topics.
Sarai you are have the most memorable soul and over the past week you have shown your beauty through the sunsets you have blessed us with.
I love you and miss you dearly. Sarai, you have my heart ❤️
I am going to miss your smile and your laughter and you voice. I am going to miss our conversations that I loved more than you can ever know on the most random topics.
Sarai you are have the most memorable soul and over the past week you have shown your beauty through the sunsets you have blessed us with.
I love you and miss you dearly. Sarai, you have my heart ❤️
March 1, 2025
I met Sarai at the year 7 induction day back in July 2019. She told me that we would be best friends and that became true! Sarai was definition of kindness. She had the purest soul. Generosity that went beyond measure. Her smile was so uplifting and her laugh was filled with so much life. She never failed to put a smile on anyone’s face, as she was so funny and loving. How she lived inspires me so much to be a better person and to continue giving, as that is something she always did! Loving Sarai had always been easy. The impact that she has left on my life is so strong and it will last for as long as I shall live. Even though we drifted apart for three years during school, when our paths crossed again, it was like nothing ever happened. In this life, you don’t come across many people that you have a spark with. But with Sarai, I did and quite a remarkable one at that! When we became close friends again in year 11 the spark was even stronger and more beautiful. I have enjoyed every single moment spent together. From us getting lost together in London, to our hearty conversations. I will continue to enjoy them, as now your spirit lives with me. Sarai, my beautiful best friend, I love you so much. The love I have for you is indescribable. I thank God so much for allowing me to have known such an inspiring human being like yourself. Having a friendship with you was such a blessing. I yearn for the day when we’ll meet again. Rest in perfect peace my love. 🕊️💜
February 27, 2025
"It's a rare and precious thing for a young life to leave an indelible mark, one that time cannot erase. Rarer still to find such focused, unwavering determination in someone so young. And exceptionally rare to witness a young person who effortlessly united people from every walk of life. Sarai, though our paths never crossed in person, I came to know you through my daughter. You were an extraordinary friend, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Your light shone brightly, inspiring us to thank God for the gift of your beautiful, though short, life. To the Talabi family, we give thanks for the remarkable soul you raised. Your love, your labour, in gifting Sarai to the world, was not in vain. Words cannot adequately express our sorrow. May the God of all comfort envelop you in His overwhelming peace, strengthening you now and in the days to come. 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.' Psalms 34:18."
February 27, 2025
The first time I met Sarai I knew I wanted to be her friend. Although we had been friends for only a couple months she was one of the few people I instantly clicked with, I am forever blessed to be able to call Sarai my friend, and being in the presence of her infectious smile and laughter is something I will cherish forever. I’ll always remember the silly moments in study where laughter would fill our table . Our afterschool hangouts and cooking elective ( where Sarai was the best cook) are one of the few things I’ll miss. I miss you Sarai . Until we meet again 🕊️
February 26, 2025
Darling Sarai, I never really met you but I heard about you through your mum. It's so sad you left us so soon. We are all so heart broken but it pleases the Lord and we cannot question Him. He wanted you back. May your soul rest in perfect peace.🙏
February 26, 2025
This is so hard to write but you were a beautiful soul inside and out and will be greatly missed. Sleep well my dear and rest in perfect peace Doyin 💜🖤🩶
February 26, 2025
It’s so sad to see someone taken away from the world so young and so soon. My condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace to an amazing person with endless potential for the world. May the Lord welcome her home and be with her family.
February 26, 2025
Sarai has brung so much light to my life and knowing her was such a blessing that I’m so grateful to have received.We had that type of friendship which was bonded of jokes.Everyday she made me laugh and everyday she supported me.She always backed me in every situation I found myself in and that’s the type of friend Sarai is.She was truly the greatest friend you could ever find yourself .She made life feel easier each day and walking into school a whole lot easier.Even though me and Sarai started a friendship in secondary of school it grew when entering sixthform.In secondary we would have so much fun in science doing prank calls.I always was fond of Sarai but it’s not until sixthform I really started to understand her.I loved all her ways and will miss them so much.Sarai wasn’t like anyone I have met and it was so refreshing to be able to call her my friend.Your loss is felt so heavily I will always cherish the times we shared and I love you my friend Sarai🕊️
February 26, 2025
Being a Head of Year allows you to see your students grow into beautiful young women and Sarai you did that, you made being your Head of year a pleasure, your beaming smile and infectious laughter would brighten my days. Rest peacefully my beautiful Sarai / never forgotten.
February 26, 2025
Sarai, you were such a caring and funny soul. I'll never forget the Japanese exchange students coming and you were bussin those "afro" jokes or the trips to the BP because your a pesk and especially the time we sat in study and remenised about how we missed our friends but now we had each other. I prayed to God for a friend like you and even though I only got a few months to really know your character I wouldn't trade it for even 1 mill. I would give anything to see you again. I'm going to miss your weird high pitched laugh and your outrageous jokes and you calling me an egg muncher and a penguin. I'm going to miss making fun of yu because you didn't eat chicken. I once said it was only the two of us so we had to chop and be eachothers blk ppl but now there's only one of us and my heart hurts so much knowing that you won't be around but I'll never forget you and as you said I shall see you soon IJN Amen❤️🕊🥹
February 26, 2025
sarai.
thank you for gracing me with the ability to have met you. through the two years i had known you back in year 7, when i was loud and brash, you were one of the kindest souls i had ever known. a beautiful smile, stunning laugh, and the warmest personality. you welcomed me even when i considered nobody else would. thank you for being yourself. thank you for those bus rides to school and back, while i ate mini blue lollipops and we were just a little too loud on the bus. thank you for your food tech lessons. thank you for your kindness, your love. we will miss you forever.
may you rest in blissful peace, and feel loved in the warm embrace of the Lord. ❤️
thank you for gracing me with the ability to have met you. through the two years i had known you back in year 7, when i was loud and brash, you were one of the kindest souls i had ever known. a beautiful smile, stunning laugh, and the warmest personality. you welcomed me even when i considered nobody else would. thank you for being yourself. thank you for those bus rides to school and back, while i ate mini blue lollipops and we were just a little too loud on the bus. thank you for your food tech lessons. thank you for your kindness, your love. we will miss you forever.
may you rest in blissful peace, and feel loved in the warm embrace of the Lord. ❤️
February 26, 2025
Sarai- I was truly blessed to have seen you blossom in your Religious Studies GCSE. Truly one of the kindest souls - you used to bring me flowers and presents from the whole class. Totally unassuming and a young woman of great faith and love. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations about life, death and the meaning of it. Now you have all the answers. Rest peacefully dear Sarai. Ms Singer
February 25, 2025
Ever since being graced with Sarai’s presence in my life she never failed to be one of the most generous and kindest souls I’ve ever known. She opened her home and her heart to anyone and everyone and found her joy in providing for others. She had the purest face I’d ever seen, with an infectious smile and contagious laugh it would be impossible to have a miserable moment around her. She’s the type of person who leaves a permanent mark on your heart and inspires you to be better, based off of the perfect example she set for everyone around her. Up until her last moments there was a light in her which could never go out.
February 25, 2025
The first time I met sarai she was so incredibly funny and such a joyous person to talk to. She always lifted your spirits when you was down and made sure everything was alright. From yr7 to yr12 she never failed to make us laugh and I’ll always cherish the peace she brought to me and others. I’m glad as her friends were able to provide her with the purest love and compassion for the time she was with us. I love her like she’s my own family and I hope her spirit lives long within us.
See you later sarai ❤️
See you later sarai ❤️
February 25, 2025
Sarai has a beautiful soul and was loved deeply by everyone. She always had a smile on her face whenever I saw her that would slowly spread onto everyone, she never failed to make people laugh with her jokes and was always able to keep a positive spirit. Her intelligence was inspiring and so was her personality as she never let anything get in her way of achieving what she wanted. She will always be missed. God has gained another angel, rest peacefully Sarai we all love you💕
February 25, 2025
Sarai was the kindest, generous and caring person ever. She was always so intentional with every loving thing she did - and made sure everyone was smiling and okay. She was someone I could always joke around with and someone I could always be myself around. Loving you and missing you forever. Rest in perfect peace beautiful, God has got you. You are truly special❤️
February 25, 2025
Sarai has been soo kind to me since day 1 of yr7 , never a dull moment with her. I love her so much. She was the most generous, caring, funniest, and bubbly girl ever. I will always remember her cheeks and her perfect beautiful smile she shared with me right until the very end. I will cherish every memory I have of her and will forever keep her in my heart gone but never forgotten LLS❤️
February 25, 2025
Sarai possessed a truly beautiful soul that touched everyone she met. I had the utmost pleasure of meeting her through her older sister, Rachel, and from the very start, I was struck by her kindness, talent, and unwavering authenticity. Every time I saw her, she spoke her mind with honesty and grace, inspiring those around her to be true to themselves.
I am profoundly grateful to God for allowing me to be a small part of her life. Even as our hearts ache with the pain of her loss, I find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is finally at peace. Her memory lives on in the warmth she shared, the conversations had, and the light she brought into our lives. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may we all be inspired by the legacy of love and courage she leaves behind.
I am profoundly grateful to God for allowing me to be a small part of her life. Even as our hearts ache with the pain of her loss, I find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is finally at peace. Her memory lives on in the warmth she shared, the conversations had, and the light she brought into our lives. May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may we all be inspired by the legacy of love and courage she leaves behind.
February 25, 2025
5 years of knowing you 5 blessed years. the kindest soul to ever walk the earth.you will be missed by so many rest in perfect peace. love you sarai❤️🕊️
February 25, 2025
Sarai was really the best friend anyone could ever ask for. she was always there when you needed her, she was funny, kind and so smart. it’s heartbreaking to lose her, Sarai will truly be missed.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 25, 2025
Sarai was truly a heaven sent gift from God
I’ll never stop thanking God for allowing me to be blessed with a friendship with this angel for 6 amazing years
She was the most generous kindest purest soul I’ve ever met
I’ll love you forever Sarai and I will never stop loving you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’ll never stop thanking God for allowing me to be blessed with a friendship with this angel for 6 amazing years
She was the most generous kindest purest soul I’ve ever met
I’ll love you forever Sarai and I will never stop loving you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 25, 2025
We will always and have always had so much love and appreciation for you Sarai. Your love and kindness shown towards all of us , as your friends it unforgettable. I am so grateful for your love and to have been your friend almost 6 years and counting. Words are not enough to describe how amazing you were🩷🩷
Love from your friend
Love from your friend
February 25, 2025
A true angel sent from heaven. Sarai was the kindest, most generous person i’ve ever met and I’m so happy and more than blessed that i got to know her for the few years she was here on this earth with us. Everywhere she went she granted people with a smile and a genuine hearty laugh. She stuck by her morals and was a pure soul who loved God. Life will truly never be the same without her but I know she is in a much better place in peace and without pain. I love you so much Sarai and thank God for the friendship we had. May your soul rest in perfect peace our Angel. Love you forever❤️❤️❤️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
February 25, 2025
Sarai was such a beautiful and sweet soul always making the delicious snacks for us and bringing it in to secondary school for us to enjoy. I’m deeply hurt that you’ve gone but i know you’re in peace up with God
now. I’ll forever love you beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️
now. I’ll forever love you beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 25, 2025
Sarai was the type of person who could make you laugh during your worse time. She could light up a room with her smile, the most thoughtful and caring person.
Favourites
What was Sarai's favourite Drink?
Peach Lipton Iced Tea or a Black Earl Grey
What was Sarai's favourite Colour?
Black, Purple and Grey
Who was Sarai's favourite fictional Character?
Stewie or Thanos
What was Sarai's favourite Travel destination?
Spain
What was Sarai's favourite Song?
Peace be unto you (PBUY) Asake
What was Sarai's favourite Food or Dish?
Pounded Yam + Efo Riro or Sushi
Donate
Our family deeply appreciates all the love and support during this time. For those who have asked about ways to help, any contributions toward the family would be sincerely appreciated, as we are now raising funds to launch a charity in Sarai’s name — currently in formation and not yet a registered charity — with the aim of raising awareness of Renal Medullary Carcinoma, the sickle cell trait, and the importance of blood donation.
If you would like to support in another way, you are warmly invited to join us at the Sarai Talabi Gala Fundraiser — an evening of remembrance, hope, and impact. Click here to view event details and tickets: https://buytickets.at/saraitalabigalafundraiser/1739732
If you would like to support in another way, you are warmly invited to join us at the Sarai Talabi Gala Fundraiser — an evening of remembrance, hope, and impact. Click here to view event details and tickets: https://buytickets.at/saraitalabigalafundraiser/1739732
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