Help Eddie (Gryner) Clarke get back on his foot

Hi, my name is Beverley Shepherd and I am fundraising for my cousin Eddie Clarke, more affectionally known as Gryner.

Eddie’s story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to the human spirit’s connection with the sea. Born with the salt air of St. Philip, Barbados in his lungs, Eddie has always been more at home at sea than on land. His life, cast in nets and early morning tides, has been dedicated to the art of fishing—a way of life handed down through generations in Bayfield, a legacy he hoped to continue.

But fate, as unpredictable as the sea, has cast a storm upon Eddie’s life. The same waters that provided for him have now taken from him.

In January 2024, while casting his nets, Eddie’s life took an unexpected turn. What would have been a simple accident for some was disastrous for him. Two bones from a flying fish fin stuck Eddie in his foot, coupled with his diabetes this proved to be dangerous for Eddie. It took two grueling days at sea to get back home and seek medical help. The prognosis given by the clinic he attended was grim: his toes needed to be amputated. Unwilling to accept this without a fight, Eddie sought a second opinion from his doctor, only to have his fears confirmed. Within weeks the toes on his left foot were removed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with follow-up care at the Six Roads Polyclinic.

The date April 26th is etched in Eddie’s memory—it was two days before his own birthday and four before his wife Debra’s. That day, after attending clinic, Eddie felt unwell and was barely able to make it to his doctor’s office where he collapsed. Gangrene had set in due to improper care, and the infection left no choice but to amputate his foot 10 inches below the knee.

Now, the only income comes from Debra’s small business, and the financial burden is as heavy as the ocean’s depths. The cost of freedom for Eddie—a prosthesis—is the sum of $7,500BBD, a number as daunting as the ocean’s depths for a man who has been unable to work since that fateful day in January 2024. It’s more than a financial figure; it’s the price of Eddie’s independence, his ability to provide for his family, and his chance to reclaim the only life that he knows.

Eddie’s resilience shines through his desire to return to fishing, to feel the salt air fill his lungs once more.

This is where we turn to you, the community that Eddie has served with every catch he has brought to shore. Your support, no matter how small, can be the engine that turns the tide for Eddie. It’s not just about giving back to a man who has given so much; it’s about restoring the balance of a life disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

Let’s rally to raise the sails for Eddie’s journey back to the sea. Every contribution brings him closer to the horizon he’s been yearning for. With your help, we can watch Eddie stand tall once again, not just on the deck of his boat, but in the eyes of those he loves.

Thank you for considering a donation to help Eddie (Gryner). Your generosity can help him navigate this challenge and return to the ocean that is his heart’s truest home.

Every little bit helps. Together, we can help Eddie get back on his feet.