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He Gave This Community 30 Years. Now He Needs Us

He Gave This Community 30 Years. Now He Needs Us

Author: By Kasia Yoko
Date: 2026-03-27

If you shopped at La Lucia Mall over the past three decades, chances are Graham was there. Quietly, dependably, keeping things running.

For 22 years he served as General Manager of La Lucia Mall. For nearly a decade after that, Operations Manager at The Gardens Estate in La Lucia. Thirty years of showing up for this community.

Today, at 80 years old, Graham can no longer keep himself safe in his own home.

Two weeks ago, after years of uncertainty, he was finally diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy - PSP. A rare, degenerative brain disease that attacks balance, movement, swallowing and cognition. In recent months his condition has accelerated rapidly. He falls - frequently and backwards. He chokes when eating. He experiences periods of confusion that leave him dangerously vulnerable.

And during the day, he is alone.

Every morning, his wife Arleen leaves for work with a breaking heart. She has become the family's sole breadwinner and simply cannot stop working. Their three children - Mela, Justin and Jason - do everything they can. But PSP demands more than love. It demands a trained, qualified presence. Every single day.

Medical aid won't cover it. Insurance won't cover it.

A campaign has been launched on BackaBuddy to raise R60,000 - six months of daytime care at R380 per day, while the family finds its footing.

A man who gave thirty years to this community now needs us to show up for him.

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-graham-stay-safe-at-home

Every rand counts.

Every share matters.