A touching story
SANDTON – A Morningside-based personal trainer is going to pay it forward this festive season and he needs some help.
A Morningside personal trainer, Thabiso Mpeke, has a touching story that has sparked charitable kindness and waves of change.
“I have always hated the word orphan, but after I lost my grandmother due to a stroke recently, I felt like one as she was the only parent I had left. Although it still hurts, I am grateful for [the] 28 years God granted her to guide my life,” declared Mpeke.
He went on to explain that his grandmother was a member of the Apostolic Salvation Church in Botshabelo, Bloemfontein. “Unfortunately, due to ill health, she was unable to make it to church for a significant period prior to her passing and church members and orphans used to visit her for prayers. She was visited by two young ladies aged 20 and 16 as well as a four-year-old boy,” he said.
He expressed that he is eternally grateful for their dedication, commitment and weekly prayers for his grandmother. He then explained how he is paying it forward and aiming to give back to those who comforted him. “I have registered for the Old Mutual Soweto half marathon to assist in raising funds for [the orphans’] continued care.”
He realised that he would not be able to accomplish his goals on his own so he approached his friend, a Morningside resident, Sarah Shaw for assistance and in the form of a letter, asked her, “Would you consider donating R50 for every seven kilometers I will complete to help achieve this mission? All the proceeds will go directly to the orphans in memory of my grandmother, Jolane Mpeke. Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to better the lives of these children,” he wrote.
After sharing his story with friends and family, Shaw came to the realisation that there had to be something more she could do. She began working closely with her friend, Maxine Gray to make a difference to the lives of the orphans who comforted his grandmother. Gray explained, “With Christmas around the corner we thought of doing a wish list for each child.
“There are only seven children at the church and I know how much joy it would bring to each of them. Together with each wish, we would like to add an outfit of clothing per child as well as some Christmas treats to make Christmas a special celebration as they do not have families to fulfill these wishes.”
The wishes include lip-gloss, sneakers, caps and earrings. Any residents who wish to become involved, can contact Gray, personally.
Details: maxinegray5@gmail.com
