Category: KNANAYA LIFE STORIES

Mr. Sujan Thomas and his wife Thushara are the proud parents of a vibrant and devout Catholic family blessed with seven children. Their eldest, Thomas Sujan, is 18 years old and has completed Year 13. He is currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Psychology at a Grammar School. Jose Sujan, their second son, is in Year 10, preparing for his GCSEs at St. Edmund Catholic School in Dover, where his younger siblings Anna Mariya (Year 9) and Jacob Sujan (Year 4) also study. Their fifth child, Leo Carlo, has just begun his schooling journey, while their youngest, Liza Maria, is a joyful 10-month-old baby. The family exemplifies strong Catholic values, nurturing their children in faith, education, and community involvement.

Mr. Sujan Thomas, residing at Thatayil House, Payyavoor and a member of St. Sebastian’s Church, is a dedicated family man and a deeply committed lay missionary. He and his wife Thushara, who hails from St. Thomas Parish, have six children, ranging from a university student pursuing Criminal Psychology to a 10-month-old infant. Over the past several decades, Mr. Thomas has played a significant role in both local and international mission and pastoral work. His journey began with mission work alongside Bishop George Palliparambil, later serving as a Mission Officer from 1996 to 2004. Professionally, he has held key positions such as Project Officer with the Malabar Social Service Society, member of the Kottayam Diocesan Commission, and resource person for marriage preparation courses, parenting talks, and catechism training across Kottayam and Malabar.

His contributions extend internationally, having conducted psycho-spiritual retreats across India and in GCC countries like Bahrain, Dubai, and Kuwait. He has also served as PRO and Counsellor for Hudeaiyaam College of Counselling and Christuraj Hospital under the SH Medical Trust. A sought-after motivational speaker and trainer, Mr. Thomas has led formation programs for religious congregations, seminaries, and youth, including four years of active youth ministry at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bahrain. Alongside his wife, he has been an integral part of the Jesus Youth Movement for over 25 years, serving in formation roles and leadership capacities such as the Animator for the Kannur Zone. Additionally, he has provided NLP training for educational institutions and continues to be a vital resource for youth programs and family retreats within Syro-Malabar parishes in the UK. His life’s work reflects a profound commitment to spiritual leadership, community formation, and family-centered ministry. Mr Sujan and Thushara family lives in Dover and are active members of St. John Paul Knanaya catholic mission in Kent.

Laiby is the pride of Nellanikottu family in Parambenchery. She is the daughter of the late N M Mathai and Mary Mathai. Laiby is married to Mr. Sibu Jose Thadathilchalil house from Uzhavoor, and together they are blessed with four wonderful children- Roshin, Ashin, Siona & Liona.

Laiby completed her primary and secondary school educational in Parambenchery and Pulinthanam and later she did her college education from St Stephens college, Uzhavoor, and pursued her nursing studies in Erode. Her professional journey started in India, where she gained experience working in Delhi, Azamgarh, Chandigarh, and Malé. These early years laid a strong foundation for her nursing career. In October 2005, she moved to the United Kingdom as a student to complete an adaptation course. She got herself registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in 2006 and began working in a nursing home in Blackburn as a Registered Nurse, eventually rising to the role of a Deputy Manager. In 2008, she joined University Hospitals of Leicester as a Band 5 nurse in cardiac theatre and was then promoted to Band 6 in 2013. During this time, she completed her BSc (Hons) in Health and Social care from De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester. She also served as a guest lecturer at DMU, teaching undergraduate nursing students—an experience Laiby found incredibly rewarding.

Following on from that, Laiby joined Kettering General Hospital as a Band 7 nurse and worked there for three years. In 2019, she moved to University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire as a Band 7, specialty lead in the cardiothoracic theatres. She then proceeded to complete an MSc in Global Healthcare Management course and was subsequently promoted as Band 8 Theatre Manager. To further her leadership development, she then completed the Chartered Manager Fellowship Programme with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and became a Chartered Manager. She is very grateful that the Trust supported and funded her enrolment in all her studies. Alongside her clinical and managerial responsibilities, she has been actively involved in supporting international colleagues. She actively contributed to the Shared Decision-Making Council for Internationally Educated Staff at UHCW, helping to guide and empower internationally educated nurses.

It is an honour to say that Laiby is also an active member of the Leicester Kerala Community and was honoured to contribute to the Nurses Day celebration as a plenary session speaker. She supported and provided guidance to fellow nurses through the Leicester Kerala Nurses Leaders Forum, which works to uplift and mentor Kerala nurses in the region. Laiby was also delighted to receive the first prize in the abstract writing competition at the first Kerala Nurses UK conference. She was also nominated by her Trust for the prestigious Florence Nightingale Foundation Fellowship Programme and she is currently enrolled in the fellowship. Recently, Laiby had the honour of attending the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey—an unforgettable experience that reaffirmed her commitment to nursing leadership and excellence.

Reflecting back, her journey from Kerala to becoming a theatre manager in the NHS has been filled with challenges, growth, and immense gratitude. At the same time, Laiby also remains passionate about giving back, supporting others, and continuing to grow in this ever evolving and rewarding profession. We are honoured to say that Laiby and family are from St Jude Knanaya Catholic Mission- Leicester. May God continue to bless Laiby in her ambitions journey.