Who was Rachel Swart
In 1923, a baby girl was born without arms or legs in the Bredasdorp area of the Western Cape.
One can only imagine the problems and draw backs of her situation ... growing up in a small rural community far from whatever medical assistance was available in those days. Yet against all odds, this tiny girl, christened Rachel, not only survived, but thrived!
Vivacious young woman
She grew into a vivacious young woman of indomitable spirit, who was determined to live life to the full.
By the time she was in her twenties, Rachel was married, ran her own home and had a baby son. She had also caught the attention of Piet Beukes, the editor of an Afrikaans weekly newspaper which focussed on human interest stories. He wrote an article about her which deeply touched Sir John Ellerman, a shy, retiring British philanthropist living part time in the Cape.
Sir John Ellerman
The next day, Beukes received a telephone call from Sir John, wanting to know how he could help her. So began a friendship between the three that lasted until 1955, when Rachel died unexpectedly shortly after the birth of her second child, a daughter.
Her death affected Sir John deeply and, together with Beukes, he decided to establish a fund in her name to help people with physical disabilities. The Rachel Swart Fund was registered as a welfare organisation in 1960.Support
Today, many years after the death of Sir John and Lady Ellerman, the Fund continues to benefit from an annual contribution from the John Ellerman Foundation in London, as well as support from a number of other trusts, foundations, corporate donors, and caring individuals who share his compassion and vision.
The Fund has a truly remarkable record and is highly thought of in its sector. The small and able staff, as well as the Committee, are chosen for their dedication to the cause and are still following the guidelines as laid down by Sir John.
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