Well-loved physios say farewell to the city
Elizabeth and Matthew Ratcliffe, a well-known and loved couple will close their physiotherapy practice at the end of November.
27POLOKWANE – For the past 13 years, the couple happily tended to Polokwane residents’ muscle ailments.
They relate how the move came about:
“We were both headhunted by medical recruiters in New Zealand. The job opportunity was not something we could turn down,” Elizabeth says.
She runs her physio-practice under the name Elizabeth Manning Physiotherapy, and shares the rooms with Matthew and other medical practitioners.
“Our planning all started a year ago, but our visas were only recently approved. Even though we will leave the practice at the end of the month, we plan to travel to New Zealand a day or two after Christmas. We still have a lot of packing to do, and our house is in the market.”
The couple’s two sons, William James (5) and Daniel (2) will start their schooling career in New Zealand and William is very excited about the move.
There are quite a few friends of Elizabeth and Matthew who already live in New Zealand and they believe that will make the adjustment easier.
“We are not anxious about the move itself as we look forward to the new adventure.
“We are, however, nervous about what we still need to do before the move. There is a lot of administration that needs to be done.”
The couple will not leave their valued clients without a competent replacement and Andries van Zyl, who has been part of the practice for a while now, will take care of patients from December.
“There are a few things we will definitely miss, like all the sunny days.
“Our clients became our friends and we will miss them deeply, as well as the practice.”
