WATCH: ‘Oom Fred’ just loves his new tekkies
One of West's wishes for his birthday was to keep his health and just be happy
AFTER what was the best birthday of his life, ‘Oom’ Fred West went home and celebrated with his best friend of 22 years, Roy.
West celebrated his 71st birthday along with his long awaited “retirement” on November 8 on the corner of Elgin Road and Olienhout Street in Birchleigh, where he had been begging for the past 12 years.
“When I spoke to Alicia at Express about my birthday a few weeks ago, I didn’t imagine in my wildest dreams that it would blow up like this. I feel so privileged that all the people of the community donated all these things to me. I am speechless with gratitude,” said West.
One of West’s wishes for his birthday was to keep his health and just be happy, plus a decent pair of tekkies, as his were stolen a few months ago. West now owns more than enough tekkies to last him a life time.
“I love all my gifts but if I could choose one favourite, it would be all the tekkies, I can’t wait to wear them. I’ll give Roy a pair as well,” said West smiling.
Many community members dropped off various gifts and non-perishable foods for West on his birthday.
“We’ll miss uncle Fred; he always made me smile when I passed him every morning on my way to work. He’s a good man and deserves all the treats that come his way,” said one of the nearby residents, who made a donation.
West went home with more than 100 cupcakes that he shared with the people who live with him and Roy on the same premises, plus two bags full of clothes and shoes, more than 10 gift bags and packets of various types of food – as well as Pick n Pay vouchers.
“I just want to thank each and every one of the people that donated something to me and wished me a happy birthday. Words can’t describe how thankful I am to all who were part of this amazing day.”
When asked what he looked forward to the most, Fred answered: “To sit back and relax for a while and enjoy my ‘retirement’, but I’ll miss all the friendly faces who passed me every day for 12 years.”
“I’ll return to my traffic light from time to time if it is really necessary, but for now Roy and I can relax for a while and just be happy.”
