Brenda’s family turns tragedy into triumph
The family are not only hoping to raise funds to continue the search for Brenda Scriven, but also to give back to the canine unit that assisted in the search.
THE family of the missing Sunningdale woman, Brenda Scriven, is determined to turn their tragedy into a triumph, by giving back to the SAPS Search and Rescue K-9 Unit that assisted in a week-long search for the 62-year-old.
According to Lee Swales, Scriven’s son-in-law, the family had launched a fund to continue the search. Last week the search was suspended, until new information or possible sightings surfaced.
However, he said the family also wished to establish a non-profit ogranitation through the Searching for Brenda Fund, which could be used to channel funds back to the canine unit.
“We are also hoping to raise awareness on behalf of the unit. These are the guys, who when someone goes missing in KwaZulu-Natal, travel from as far as Pietermaritzburg and Port Shepstone to assist,” he said.
“It is tragic that we live in a society where these people, who risk their lives on a daily basis, are terribly under funded and are paid less than investment bankers, for example. Many of these men are doing searches in wetsuits that are older than 15 years. Some of the canines are also old and should be retired. We are hoping to eventually contribute to this,” he added.
In addition to funding new equipment, he said they hoped to sponsor at least one new canine, who they planned to name Brenda.
“Our goal is create a positive and lasting legacy for Brenda. This is something positive that we can focus on during this difficult time. It is still difficult for us all to get through every single day,” said Swales.
Swales said the family would not give up the search until they had found absolute closure.
Scriven disappeared during the torrential rains on Monday, 25 July. It is believed that she was washed away by the floods after she experienced mechanical issues with her car in Glen Anil.
Scriven’s daughter, Lindy-Leigh Swales, said her mother was on her way home when the family lost contact with her. After several desperate calls an unknown man finally answered the Sunningdale woman’s cell phone and told them that he had discovered her car abandoned on Sneezwood Drive.
For more information go to the Searching for Brenda Facebook page.
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