GENEROUS amounts of groceries and appliances have been donated following a call for help from a husband who wants a better life for his blind wife.
Rosettenville residents, Cyril ‘Billy’ (69) and blind wife Avril (66) Fitzpatrick have thanked the community for their open hearts.
Two weeks ago, Billy came forward pleading for a better home and living conditions for his beloved spouse Avril.
Billy said they had been eating cold food for the past month due to his broken microwave and he was grateful for community members who donated three hotplates.
“We’ve received bags of groceries from community members but have nowhere to put our gifts.”
The 69-year-old said their accommodation sadly could not fit most of the items given to them by members of the community. He said the sad part was having to store some of the items at the church or on someone else’s property just so they would not go to waste.
“We wish we had space,” he said.
Billy said he was open to anyone who could spare anything to give to them but sadly had to accept that their home was “intimate” and could not house most of the items given. He said help to find slightly bigger accommodation would be ideal.
“We just need a place with a small kitchen and decent space for my wife to comfortably be able to move around.”
“Our current place is a bit small and gathers water outside the only door outside when it rains, making it extremely challenging for my wife.”
The couple said they wanted to express their gratitude to those who gave them hope for a better life.
They had been living in one-roomed accommodation after they were forced to sell their home to be debt-free.
They were also forced to sell off most of their house furniture as they had no space for it.
Their crowded room, which the Courier took a tour of, had a shower, basin and toilet at an arm’s length apart. This is a potential hazard for Avril who cannot see items on the floor.
Community members who would like to offer help can contact the Southern COURIER reporter Gopolang Chawane on 011 724 7000.
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