Ballito’s cancer activist takes her final bow

Ballito’s cancer activist, Jaime Ernst (65) recently passed away after being diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago.

The qualified nursing sister dedicated her life to helping cancer sufferers and terminally ill patients by starting a cancer charity, the Ballito Cancer Support Network, where Jaime was hands-on.

“She assisted them medically, gave ongoing advice and drove them to hospital. She made sure they had all their needs attended to, from nappies to oxygen bottles. When it came to end stage cancer, Jaime would provide morphine and sedation to help the patient be as comfortable as humanly possible,” said her personal assistant Nikki Geldenhuys.

But it would not end there, when the patient passed away, she would assist the family with the funeral arrangements to the point of collecting the ashes and delivering them to the family.

Equally Jaime was not only focused on the patient, but she also counselled and helped the immediate family with how to deal with the trauma.

In between all of this, she fundraised and organised many awareness events on cancer prevention.

Jaime was born in Rhodesia, where she completed her schooling and went on to obtain her nursing degree in Pretoria.

She specialised as an ICU sister and met her soul mate, Dr Meyer Ernst, in Pretoria who she married in 1994.

They did not have any children but Jaime wholeheartedly embraced Meyer’s children from his first marriage.

Jaime was a multi-faceted businesswoman going from chicken farming to working as an estate agent. She enjoyed golf, bridge and above all classical music.

This is what endeared Jaime to the Ballito community.

She was well known for her kindness, a gentle smile and huge empathy.

Messages of condolences flooded social media pages following Jaime’s passing, with many describing her as a caring and Godly person with a vibrant spirit.

A post on the Ballito Cancer Support Network Facebook page saw a flood of messages of condolences from locals.
Ballito photographer Barry Bowditch posted: “Jaime you helped so many terminally ill people over the years. It’s just so sad to hear of your passing. Another special angel. Big hugs to your family. You will be so missed by the gazillion people whose lives you touched.”

Beverley Hight said: “What a tragedy, our very own angel of Ballito “Jaime” taken away far too soon. You were such an inspiration to so many people, always had a smile on your beautiful face. you are going to be sorely missed my friend. Fly high with all the angels. Condolences to Meyer and all the family. R.I.P.”

Jaime’s funeral was held at All Souls Anglican Church on 4 June.

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