I don’t listen to the radio in the morning mostly because my office at the Northmead Square is a whole 3km from my home.
I was therefore one of those who missed out on the 947 Breakfast Xpress morning show on Tuesday morning where they told the story of Benonian Nathan Miles, who has been given six months to a year to live after being diagnosed with stage three cancer, among other illnesses that have hampered his life from the start, and promised to help him tick off every item on his bucket list.
I don’t want to jump on the bandwagon after the incredibly emotional story, but I do want to say how my faith in humanity has been restored since the radio show told Nathan’s story.
To see hoards of people jumping on-board to help him achieve his dreams is beyond awesome and fitting recognition for a young man who has always lived his life with courage, vigour and bounce.
As a Benonian I have met Nathan on a few occasions and as the local sports journalist for the Benoni City Times I have seen him giving it his all in physical activities around the town.
Cindy McCall-Peat, Inga Barnes and the coaching team at Eagle Tumbling Club, at the John Barrable Hall, have been a shining example of belief in Nathan as they assisted him with his tumbling skills and gave him a chance to compete and participate in physical activity and be part of a team.
I also spotted the young man at last year’s Rowlin National Night Race where he ran the 5km for the disabled – testament of his can-do attitude and imperishable spirit.
On a personal level I had spent some time with Nathan at the Duck Inn, where my friend Dave and I would watch the Formula One with his dad.
Nathan’s love of motorsport and speed was extremely evident there and I am so thrilled that he got to tick off number one of his list of an on-track racing experience week.
His story is one that illustrates that anyone, regardless of their situation, is capable of spreading goodwill, friendliness and neighbourliness.
The people who have supported him throughout his life up to this point are angels on earth and I tilt my proverbial hat in their direction.
Nathan, enjoy every single second.
You are achieving far more than a completed bucket list.
Remember: “There’s no need to be perfect to inspire others.
“Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections”.
LG
