<div>UPDATE 22 August 2024:
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<div>I know a lot of people have been following this story and have kindly opened their hearts and donated, so Michelle has asked me to provide the following update...
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<div>Today, at 10:45 am on 22 August, Victor's heart stopped. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by love.
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<div>I am so blessed to have been unconditionally loved by such a kind, dependable, strong, hardworking man, and even more blessed to have had the privilege of raising our boys, how young men, with an incredible example of what a man should be. There wouldn't have been a better man for me.
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<div>There will forever be a Victor shaped hole in my heart and in my family.
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<div>To those who had the honor of knowing Victor, my heart aches for you, and I am truly sorry for your loss. I know that Victor's passing will leave a void that can never be filled.
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<div>For those who entered min and Keaton's lives in the midst of this storm, thank you for you.
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<div>Thank you for all the outpouring of love, prayers, support, and kindness.
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<div>Marc, Keaton, and I will be forever thankful.
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<div>Love always
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<div>Michelle
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<div>UPDATE 15 March 2024:
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<div>Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and shared this post. Each and every donation is greatly appreciated more than you know. The generosity shown has touched the hearts of this family during this very tough time. Although Victor has started to show signs of minor improvement/awareness, he sadly remains bed-ridden in hospital fighting to regain cognitive functioning. Please continue to pray for healing and donate if you are able to, as the funds raised are almost depleted and Michelle will not be able to pay her rent. She has considered looking for other accommodation although their rent is already low, however due to her sole salary, she cannot get approval for another property. She also cannot find other employment due to her visa conditions. Finances are a massive strain and any help would help a great deal, so please open your hearts if you are able to donate, no matter how small the amount.
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<div>Full story...
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<div>Hi, my name is Desiree', and I am trying to raise some funds for a dear friend and her family. I honestly don't even know where to start, but I need to share their story in the hope that there are people out there that can help.
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<div>I have known this beautiful family for the past 18 years and they are the most amazing people, always willing to help others and never expecting anything in return.
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<div>My friend, Michelle and her husband, Victor, moved to the UK in May 2023 with their 16 year old son via a work sponsorship visa. They both started work and their son managed to find a college placement. In September 2023, only being in the UK for 4 months Victor suffered a heart attack in his sleep, which due to the lack of oxygen to his brain, has left him with severe brain damage, and he has been in Portsmouth hospital ever since. He is bedridden and is not able to walk, talk or communicate.
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<div>This family sold everything to move to the UK for a better future, and now this traumatic event has happened. Michelle works in retail and is not making enough on one salary to make ends meet. They do not live beyond their means in any way and live a very simple life. As they are living in the UK on a visa, they do not qualify for any government funding. They do not have a support system here and Michelle and her son are really struggling to deal with all of this trauma, let alone having to deal with not having enough finances during a time like this.
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<div>Although Michelle has always opened up her heart to help others, she does not like to ask for help and does not want to be a burden on anyone. But we all know how hard it is to start a new life somewhere else, even without the extra trauma they are dealing with. Surely if we open our hearts and give what we can, we can help this family with a little support.
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<div>My heart truly breaks for this family and as much as Michelle would like to reach out for help herself, she just does not have the emotional strength to do so at this time, therefore the reason I am fundraising on her behalf. She has given me permission to do this on her behalf, and every single penny donated, will be sent to her. So please could you open up your hearts and help if you can. I know this can only offer temporary support, but it is very much needed, even just to help relieve some strain for a short while. If you're unable to help financially, please keep them in your prayers x
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<div><strong>UPDATE 15 March 2024:</strong> Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and shared this post. Each and every donation is greatly appreciated more than you know. The generosity shown has touched the hearts of this family during this very tough time. Although Victor has started to show signs of minor improvement/awareness, he sadly remains bed-ridden in hospital fighting to regain cognitive functioning. Please continue to pray for healing and donate if you are able to, as the funds raised are almost depleted and Michelle will not be able to pay her rent. She has considered looking for other accommodation although their rent is already low, however due to her sole salary, she cannot get approval for another property. She also cannot find other employment due to her visa conditions. Finances are a massive strain and any help would help a great deal, so please open your hearts if you are able to donate, no matter how small the amount.
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Help a South African family in a time of need

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