British sailor on ebola mercy mission lost eight of his family to the virus: Royal Navy engineer, 28, travelling to Sierra Leone after learning virus has swept through relatives' village

A Royal Navy engineer is sailing to Africa as part of Britain’s ebola task force just days after learning the virus has killed eight members of his family and infected a further six. Christian Blango, 28, from South London, is on a mission to Sierra Leone after hearing that ebola had spread through his family’s village. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Blango turned down an offer of compassionate leave after he told Navy top brass of the deaths. Naval airman Blango said: ‘This is personal now and the deaths in my family have made me even more determined to help people suffering with ebola. ‘Even my commander asked me not to go because of my family circumstances but I still wanted to go and help. I am proud to do my part and to contribute to the vital humanitarian work.