Fourways cleaner struggles to raise funds for ailing father
When Lovemore Robson’s father fell ill, he turned to the community he’s always served, but so far, the support has been painfully small.
Lovemore Robson is a familiar face in Fourways. He’s the man with a broom in hand, often seen sweeping sidewalks, tidying up parks, and cleaning public spaces, not because he’s paid to, but because he believes in keeping his community clean.
For years, Robson has volunteered his time and energy to make Fourways better for everyone, but now, he needs the community’s help.
Read more: Fourways beloved cleaner asks for R18k donations as his father battles skin cancer
Robson is facing a personal crisis: His father, back home in Zimbabwe, has been diagnosed with skin cancer. He is currently bedridden and unable to walk, relying only on painkillers to manage what should be treated by urgent medical care.
Robson is trying to raise R18 000 to help cover his father’s medical bills, but weeks into his plea, he’s only been able to raise R650.
“I’m feeling like people disowned me,” he said. “I mean, I’m always cleaning up Fourways and volunteering. I am desperately in need of my community to assist me because it is that time of need for me.”
Robson has never asked for much. For years, his work has spoken for itself: A selfless act of care for a city he adopted, but now, he’s struggling to understand why the community hasn’t responded in the way he hoped. “It’s not even a thousand. I thought it could be more. I’ve tried reaching out to friends and family members as well, but nothing much came from it.”
He’s quick to express his gratitude to those who have donated, no matter the amount. “To those who contributed to that R650. I really appreciate it. You don’t know how much that means for me.
“Even if it’s R10, or R15… It counts. What I need is for my father to be okay and be treated before the cancer gets way too out of hand.”
When asked if he’s tried other ways to raise the funds, Robson said he is thinking of opening a Back-a-Buddy account to campaign for his father’s medical bills. “I don’t have the means to even begin to do anything else. This is the only way I can do it.”
Now, the man who has quietly served Fourways for years is making a humble, heartfelt appeal, hoping the same hands he helped will reach back to help him.
If you’d like to assist Robson, donations of any amount are welcome. His contacts: 084 757 9921.
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