A father’s love
BULA readers! This week I wanted to write about a high school friend of mine who has been through a traumatic time in his life, but unselfishly has found the strength to help others despite his own circumstances.
This story goes all the way back to my school days when I was studying in London before returning to Fiji. Incredibly through the advances of technology and in particular Facebook I have been able to keep in weekly contact with friends of mine from my primary and high school days and watch their progress through life.
My school friends have always been very dear to me and I treasure the interaction and fellowship we still share even today. Some have passed away through illness, some have had horrific accidents, some have gone on to become successful millionaires and even a billionaire which pleases me to observe. One or two have fallen by the wayside through drugs and crime, but I will not give up on them as when I was growing up they gave me the kindness and support that I needed.
One particular friend of mine called Peter Tyler was my classmate during high school and he was a very happy and carefree student, he was popular and a smart individual although he could be quite lazy.
I have fond memories of him during our time together at school and just like all my other friends enjoy watching them progress through life.
A few years ago, tragedy struck when his seven-year-old daughter Izzie was diagnosed with cancer, it certainly shook Peter and his family and friends to the core, as they were in shock that their beloved Izzie, who was so young and so vibrant could become so ill. Like any caring parents, both Peter and his wife Kelly did everything within their powers to care for their daughter as she went from one operation to another. Then from one chemotherapy course to another.
Izzie was indeed a very strong and courageous young girl with a will to live and the whole family bonded together, to fight for Izzie as she bravely battled the cancer which was slowly ravaging her body.
All of Peter’s friends and family rallied around with moral and spiritual support, but sadly shortly after her 9th Birthday on November 18 2019, Izzie passed away in her parents’ arms.
After so much hurt, most of us would have retreated into our own world to grieve, but not Peter, in fact, he did quite the opposite and decided to raise funds for the hospital that cared for Izzie during her treatment which was the Great Ormand Street Children’s Hospital.
I can vouch that I could never imagine Peter deciding to run a half marathon for charity, actually I couldn’t imagine him even running to the shops for some groceries, but that’s exactly what he decided to do.
This is Peter’s own testimony “My beautiful daughter Izzie died last November after an 18-month battle with cancer.
“Great Ormond Street hospital, especially the nurses on Elephant Ward, took such good care of her and us as a family during this awful time that I just want to try and give something back.
“Izzie was helping me train for a 5k run, up to when she sadly died, so this is a great way to try and raise some money for such a good cause. And I know it would make her happy me doing this.”
Last weekend, Peter, not only ran but also completed his half marathon run for charity, and I will leave you with this touching tribute from his other daughter Nikki Tyler.
“For someone that had never run in his life, my dad has done a smashing job. Finally completing his half marathon, raising over £18,000 ($F52,000) for charity in memory of our beautiful Izzie. She would be so proud of you right now. We are all proud of you and all you have achieved over the last year”. Finally, well done Peter, regardless of your pain and suffering you have decided to help others who are going through the same struggle and turmoil as you and your family have done. Great effort and a true inspiration.