About Stan

Our dad, Stan Cunliffe, is a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend — the kind of man who quietly gives his all for everyone around him. He has spent his life putting family first, making countless sacrifices so that his children could grow up educated, safe, and secure.

Stan has always believed that people should be judged by their character, not their circumstances. He’s someone who’s lifted others when they were down — not just with kind words, but through real help and open doors. Over the years, he and his wife Sharon Dean Cunliffe have taken in relatives and community members who had nowhere else to go, sharing their home and their hearts freely.

He’s loved and respected by everyone who knows him. Since returning to South Africa, I’ve heard the same phrase over and over again:

“Your parents are our favourites — they are such special people.”

That warmth says everything about who our dad is — a man of integrity, compassion, and quiet strength.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Stan was recently hospitalised with respiratory distress and cardiac failure, a life-threatening combination that has left him extremely weak and dependent on ongoing medical care. His doctors have stabilised him for now, but his condition remains serious and requires continuous treatment, medication, and oxygen support to sustain his comfort and quality of life.

To date, medical expenses have already exceeded R450,000 (AUD$ 40018, USD$ 26064, GBP£ 19583), and further hospitalisation, rehabilitation, and home-based care are expected to push total costs toward R1,000,000 (AUD$ 88929, USD$ 57920, GBP£ 43518)

He does not have private medical insurance and relies on South Africa’s public healthcare system, which cannot provide the immediate and specialised care he now needs. Without it, his condition will continue to deteriorate.

As a family, we are doing everything we can — but covering these costs would mean taking on significant debt. That’s why we’re reaching out, humbly and hopefully, to ask for support from those who know and love Stan, and from kind-hearted people who believe in helping good souls when they need it most.

Where Your Donation Goes

Every rand raised will go directly toward Stan’s medical and caregiving needs:

*Hospital and specialist care - Hospital stays, cardiac and respiratory support, tests, consultations = R450,000 (AUD$ 40018,USD$ 26064, GBP£ 19583)

*Ongoing treatment and medical equipment - Oxygen therapy, medications, rehabilitation, and monitoring = R200,000 (AUD$ 17786,USD$ 11584, GBP£ 8704)

*Home-based care and support - Nursing assistance, mobility aids, and home modifications = R100,000 (AUD$ 8893,USD$ 5792, GBP£ 4352)

*Transport and follow-up visits - Specialist and hospital travel = R50,000 (AUD$ 4447,USD$ 2896, GBP£ 2176)

*Support for Sharon Dean Cunliffe -Household stability and caregiving during this difficult time = R150,000 (AUD$ 13340,USD$ 8688, GBP£ 6528)

*Total Estimated Costs ≈ R950,000 – R1,000,000 (AUD$ 88929,USD$ 57920, GBP£ 43518)

Your contribution — no matter the size — will make a meaningful difference in helping Stan receive the care he deserves, easing the financial pressure so our family can focus on what truly matters: time, love, and presence.

If donations exceed immediate needs, any surplus will continue to support Stan’s long-term care and Sharon’s wellbeing.

About Stan, the Person

When he’s well, Stan is happiest outdoors — fishing for trout, watching rugby, spending time with friends, and caring for his animals. He’s a man who values laughter, loyalty, and love.

His greatest joy has always been his family:

His loving wife: Sharon Dean Cunliffe

His children: Karen McGarrick, Donovan Cunliffe, Madge Cunliffe, and Cathy Cunliffe

His grandchildren: Tristan and Kiara McGarrick; Casey-Leigh, Eldon and Melody Cunliffe; Brenna, Aiden and Shayla Lloyd-Green

Stan’s only concern right now is for Sharon’s wellbeing and peace of mind. Our wish is to help ease that burden — to show him that the love he’s poured into others throughout his life comes back full circle.

From Our Family to Yours

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for caring.

Your kindness gives us strength and hope during this difficult time.

With love and gratitude,

The Cunliffe Family