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We were so very fortunate to get to know John because of the regular donations he made to MS Auckland. He was happy to be phoned and thanked for his generous contributions and let us know that the donations were in memory of his mother who passed away with MS in 1969, at the young age of 52.
John also let us know that he had made a will which will provide firstly for his sister and then for three charities of which MS Auckland was one.
It was lovely for us to be able to connect with John while he was still alive. He passed away July 2020, shortly after his 71st birthday, from a tragic cycling accident early one morning on his way to his volunteer job with Riding for the Disabled.
MS Auckland met with his sister, Dianne, who told us that she was just 22 and John only 19 when their mother passed away. John was very traumatised by his mother’s illness, especially in the later stages of her life, and then by her early death. In those days there was no support for his mother or for the family. Their father also didn’t know how to handle things emotionally and couldn’t cope with his wife’s MS.
When their mother became paralysed, Dianne was the one that looked after her. It was very hard on their mother, who was always a very independent woman, to be so very dependent on others. Eventually, at the age of 50 she was staying at Cornwall hospital – she was the youngest person in a hospital for the elderly.
John appreciated the work of MS Auckland in providing support for those affected by MS and through his will wanted to support us in continuing our work into the future, giving families the help and support that his family unfortunately never received and so very much needed.
John never married and was loved by all who met him. He is described by everyone as being an incredibly kind man, always with a kind word and ready to help anyone in need.
Since his retirement he volunteered every Tuesday at the Hunua ranges doing pest control. It was very hard work, but he loved it. John’s ashes, as per his specific request in his will, were scattered at Hunua ranges.
To give away money is an easy matter and in any man’s power. But to decide to whom to give it and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power nor an easy matter. Aristotle
Thank you John, we thank you sincerely for your most generous gift, and we are grateful that your legacy will help us continue to help others living with MS.
Read how you can leave a legacy
Duncan Grant got accepted for Mastering Mountains grant in 2023, he set some big goals! There were some highs and lows, read his story here.
Graham and Judy Wear's son, Steven was diagnosed with MS in his 20's. They wish to remember Steven, by leaving a legacy in their will.
