Personal message

Our beloved Dad passed away on Thursday evening (11/2/21), sadly just after he and Mum celebrated their 61 year anniversary.

The family will be planting a tree of remembrance at Amberglen for Dad’s friends to enjoy, tend and nurture, and in keeping with his love of nature and farming.

As many will know, our mum Astrid was one of the first polio sufferers in South Africa. Despite severe challenges with deformed limbs, crippling headaches, and in the last 10+ years a neckbrace, wheelchair and up to 12 hour days on oxygen, Mum has never let it get her down. As age has caught up, post-polio is not just requiring a lot of medical care, but also almost full-time care. Being in SA, with no real system of welfare and prohibitive health insurance, has meant all their savings have been used on medical treatments. Mum still loves her needlework and is never without a smile and a positive outlook.

Being the proud and stubborn people they are, Mum & Dad refused to ask anyone for help, but were always helping others, including doing the Grahamstown Training College newsletter gratis for many, many years. Please find it in your heart to share a little with mum to ensure she enjoys her twilight, now sadly without her beloved rock, Laurie. This, and your prayers, more than any flowers will be so appreciated.

Every penny you share will go to her, and any surplus will be given to the Polio foundations she has helped and supported since childhood.

If you would prefer to contribute locally in GBP, please use this link. 

Our grateful thanks - Astrid, Colin, Noel & Leslie

Donations

Donate to this charity