Messages of support from around the world for Oscar

“I believe Pistorius. He is a winner, a hero, a source of inspiration for many people . . . I am absolutely sure that this is a terrible mistake. Strength, faith and serenity. God will not abandon him.” — André, Sao Paulo,

Brazil

“You, your family as well as the Steenkamp family are in my thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time. This was nothing more than a tragic accident. It’s a shame we have to live in a world where we must always be on guard for fear of intruders.” — Sharon, New

Jersey, US

“I imagine that even your own family and friends are unable to console you, so it is unlikely that a message from a stranger in the UK will help. However, I am compelled to try. I believe it was an accident and I hope you are soon released and somehow find respite from your torment.” —

Jane, Cumbria, UK

“Oscar, please do not give up, fight for your rights! I have admired you and feel I know you as I am born deaf and have to overcome the hearing difficulties. I pray for you and I know it was a tragic mistake on your part. You cannot turn back the clock now and it is too late, what is done and done. Please stay strong. God Bless you.” — Geraldine Brown, Essex, England

“I believe in you and in what you say, I believe you’re innocent. Every day, many times a day, I look for news about you on the Net, because I’m really concerned with what’s happening to you. I’m Catholic and you can’t imagine how much I’ve been praying for you since I first heard the sad news on telly. I pray the Lord for you every single day, you can be sure He’s right beside you to help you through this hard time.” —

Elisa, Milan, Italy

“Please tell Oscar that I am praying for him. I know this is a difficult situation. Hopefully he will remain in prayer also. Many blessings to all during this difficult time.” — Raúl Velásquez,

Chile

“I know times are difficult now, but please stay strong, and remember you will always be my hero and inspiration, lots of love and a big hug.” — Holly

Hopkins, Wales

“We only have to see the TV footage of you or newspaper pictures to see the pain you are going through and we can’t begin to imagine what that feels like. Please stay strong and always remember that no matter what — your fans are all thinking of you and your family at this time and also of Reeva and her family.” — Kevin Clancy, Glasgow, Scotland

“I am an addict of the Crime and Investigation channel on DStv. I must confess never before have I felt someone’s innocence like Oscar’s.” — Ruth Koomson, Accra, Ghana

“I feel the deepest sympathy for Oscar and his family and wished that there was anything at all for me to help, but of course there is not for some- body unknown to them and so far away. The only thing I could think of was to write this message of sympathy and support and add it to the many others from around the world.” — An

drea Persson, Sweden

“Oscar forced the world to look at the power of the human spirit. He has forced us to look at how we disable ourselves and that the only real disability in life is your attitude!” — Lynne Bepat, Johannesburg, South Africa