Messages

Messages posted as comments will certainly be seen and read, so post there by all means, but perhaps a central message area will be easier for Sal and family to track.

So comments board below;

Comments (317)

  • #1 by Milo at May 21st, 2009

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    Tom,

    Our thoughts are with you and your family and hope you make a speedy recovery to the Great man we all know you so well as! Be strong my man and all will be well soon!

    Best regards

    Milo & Simba

  • #2 by Niall and B Rooney at May 21st, 2009

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    You are in our thoughts constantly, your strength that comes across the web is incredible. Its good to hear encouraging news this week. sending lots of love Niall and B Rooney x

  • #3 by Spring Gombe at May 21st, 2009

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    Tom, Greta, Ray, Ben, Mr and Mrs Soper,

    Its been over 20 years since we last saw you, as neighbours in Nairobi, but I still remember what a remarkable family you are, and have fond memories of that time. I have particularly vivid memories of ‘golf’ in your back garden…

    Tom, I wasn’t certain I would recognise you as an adult, but you still have those very kind eyes, lit from within, and the smile you and Greta share. I’m very sorry you’ve been so terribly hurt and for the distress you and your whole family are in.

    Thinking of you all, and wishing you strength. Perservere. You will come through,

    Spring

  • #4 by Adele Heath at May 21st, 2009

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    I just want you to know that my thoughts are constantly with you all at this difficult time. Although its hard to even imagine what you are all going through you are such strong people it is already clear that you are going from strength to strength.

    Tom, I haven’t seen you for some time but reading through the amazing messages that have been posted on this site just reminds me of what an incredible person you are and what wonderful people you have around you.

    I know I’m far away in the UK but if there is anything that I can do from here to help in anyway please let me know.

    Thinking of you all.

    Love Adele

  • #5 by Doctor Eric Layard at May 21st, 2009

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    Hi there,

    My sister Gill van Blerk has asked me to make contact. I am a GP currently in the UK but returning to practise in Harare in October this year.

    My daughter Beverley suffered a similar injury to C3/4/5 12 years ago when she was 12 years old. She was fortunate to be able to breathe independently after weeks on a ventilator.

    She is now 24 years old and has been an inspiration to many people. She is currentlly in Northern Ireland with me.

    If I can be of any help at all, with any advice or general support please let me know. I will also be happy to assist medically on our return later in the year. Anything at all, please ask.

    Please know that Bev and my best wishes are being sent across the many miles to Tom and his family

    My e-mail address is: e_layard@yahoo.com

  • #6 by goof de jong at May 22nd, 2009

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    Tom
    We are with you and all those close to you.
    DJ
    on behalf of your team Highlands E

  • #7 by kemi(your sister's hairdresser) at May 22nd, 2009

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    Tom, i have heard and read so much about you and i believe that the son of God will arise on your behalf with healings in His wings. My prayer and thought is with you and your family especially your daughters BUT I BELIEVE THAT IT SHALL BE WELL WITH YOU. KEMI(GRAVESEND)

  • #8 by Anton Jones at May 22nd, 2009

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    Dear Tom, Sal and the kids,

    So glad to hear that you are doing so much better.

    You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

    All my love,
    Anton.

  • #9 by Gavin and Gina Rennie at May 22nd, 2009

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    Dear Tom, Sal and the girls,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It is so difficult to imagine what you are all going through. Just to let you know there are so many people in Zim and around the world who are praying for. Be encouraged.

    All the best and God Bless
    Gavin, Gina, Paige and Campbell

  • #10 by Gary & Shirl at May 22nd, 2009

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    Hi Tom, Sal, Ciara & Erin
    Glad to hear that you are doing better, keep your spirits up. You are in our thoughts and prayers every hour of the day.

    All our love
    Gary, Shirl, Matt & Craig

  • #11 by ivana at May 23rd, 2009

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    Hi Sal, I’m Ivana, from Italy. I am sure you remember me, (Michele and Federico’s mum). I am reading about Tom, I pray for you. I am in Jerusalem now and we’ll go to the Saint Sepulcre to pray for Tom tomorrow. I can see how many friends are loving you all, and this strong love from all over will help Tom. Love Ivana

  • #12 by Liz.Bell at May 23rd, 2009

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    I met you once Tom with your mother Jane at my parents (Wendy and Fred Howlett) house in Swansea. I believe it was before you returned to Zimbabwe. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
    love Liz

  • #13 by James Bradbury at May 24th, 2009

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    Karen and I watched on The Pne Show, the remarkable story of quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister, who is planning to become the first disabled woman to sail solo around Britain.
    Its an incredible story, about how she is able to sail solo just by blowing into two different tubes in order to sail port or starboard.
    Her passion, determination and courage we feel mimics that of Tom.
    We thought of you loads Tom during this program.
    Keep up the fight
    Love
    James Karen and Amelie

  • #14 by Grant Peterson at May 25th, 2009

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    Hey Tom,

    It’s been a while judging by the graduation pic on your website! Nearly didn’t recognise myself next to you!

    Just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and hoping you get stronger each day.

    Cheers,
    Grant Peterson (Icky)

  • #15 by Shame Bope at May 25th, 2009

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    Hie Tom

    Just want to make you aware that you very important to many people and because of this they all pray that you get with each passing minute and hour.

    I hav faith that you will get out of this. Be strong man

    We will continue praying for you man

    Shame

  • #16 by pauli and wayne mitchell at May 25th, 2009

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    Sal our thoughts and prayers are with you tom and the girls. Lots of love pauli and wayne

  • #17 by Fi Soper at May 25th, 2009

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    I’ll be there soon big brother!

    All my love,
    Fi

  • #18 by Suzanne Robinson at May 26th, 2009

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    Dear Sal,
    Following this please find 2 messages from OGs who responded to my email about Tom last week. Sorry they’re so long, but I wasn’t sure where else to post this valuable info for you. Lots and lots of love to you and the girls, Suz

    “Tom is certainly being treated in one of the best Trauma Units in the country. In my profession I have had many dealings and matters involving Dr Maurizio Zorio – he is undoubtedly one of Johannesburg’s leading Neurosurgeons and Tom is in very good hands.

    If the family need any expert referrals on post-trauma care and rehabilitation whilst he is in South Africa please pass my details on to them.”

    Regards

    OG Brett Phillips [bphillips@josephs.co.za] – South Africa
    Class of 89. Tel 083 616 0573

    “Hi my name is Kerry-Ann Dolloway, married to OG Kevin Dolloway (class of 89). I’m a dietician that works at a Life rehabilitation unit in Durban. We have 2 units in JHB. There a multi disciplinary team consisting of a dietician, neurologist, physiotherapist, OT, social worker, speech therapy, neuro-psychologist work with spinal and head injured patients.

    Once patients are out of ICU they can be referred to a unit for acute therapy or care giver training to make Tom’s activities of living at home easier.

    Please let me know if you require some more info but I’m sure Dr Zoria will know of the units (Life Riverfield & Life New Kensington).

    Also should you require a dietician to assist with Tom’s feeding whilst in ICU to decrease muscle loss please shout and I can refer you to someone there.

    Our sympathy to the family.”
    Kerry-Ann & Kevin Dolloway [kdolloway@telkomsa.net] – South Africa
    Class of 89
    Tel 082 828 0909 (Kevin)

  • #19 by Julian, Bron, Dan and Sarah Hill (Botswana) at May 26th, 2009

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    Dearest Sal and Tom,

    At the outset we would like to apologise for not getting in touch sooner. We had absolutely no idea exactly what happened to Tom, as the impression we had from Facebook was somewhat different. May we say how very sorry we are, but admire you all for your tremendous strength and courage. Know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers, and we will be checking in regularly on the site for progress. If there is anything we can do from here, please let us know.

    Our love to you all,

    The Hills

    PS Les Hill also sends his thoughts and best wishes….he is living in Gaborone now too.

  • #20 by Carol & Megan L at May 26th, 2009

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    Dearest Sal

    We are so very sorry for the anguish & distress you, Tom, the girls & your whole family are going through.

    Thinking of you all & sending perseverance, strength, hope & lots of love.

    Carol & Megan xxx

  • #21 by Lol at May 27th, 2009

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    Hi Tom, Sal and girls
    We are so proud of each step you take, of your resilience and motivation and for each achievement along the way. Our thoughts and love are with you through this journey and if we could walk some of it for you- I know that we would. We are right beside you each and every moment, in our hearts and minds and with all our positve encouragement. And thank you so much Nick for keeping us feeling close you are a star.
    Love always,
    Lol, Chris and Oli

  • #22 by Kerry Mills at May 27th, 2009

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    Tom,

    Its been a long time since I’ve spoken or contacted you but Adele has always kept me updated.

    I’ve been praying for you and your family since I heard what happened. You have such amazing friends and family and so much love being sent to you from all over the world, be strong.

    Love

    Kezza

  • #23 by Nige and Emma at May 27th, 2009

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    Hi Sal

    How wonderful to see you at school today, I know it must have been so hard for you to try and contemplate some functions of normality but so brave to face the “world of school”, especially where there has been so much out pouring of devestation, concern and hope. I wanted to say so much more but felt you needed the space to get through the day. I just wanted to say well done for being there, and huge love and support to you all. Emma

  • #24 by Yasmin Ashburner at May 29th, 2009

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    Hi Tom
    I was saddened to hear about your accident. My family and I wish you a speedy recovery . Sally and girls please let us know if we can help in any way. Tom, Sally and girls our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.

    Yasmin or Yasomino as Tom called me
    (Ex colleague – New Zealand)

  • #25 by Tyler at May 29th, 2009

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    Hey Tom

    Keep it strong man, thinking of you every day.

    Tyler and Abby

  • #26 by Fordson Musingarabwi at May 29th, 2009

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    I was very saddened to hear about your accident man. After a while away from Zeem, I just checked on you this week and Tigs gave me this website address. I wish you a speedy recovery and will keep you in my prayers.

  • #27 by Huw van Hoffen at May 30th, 2009

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    Tom, so sorry to hear about your accident. Our very best wishes to you for your recuperation. Huw and Lesley van Hoffen (ex-colleague from Barclays Bank, now in Brisbane Australia)

  • #28 by Liz.Bell at May 30th, 2009

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    Hello Tom
    Just a brief note to say am still thinking of you , your immediate family, your Mum and Dad, Jane and Robert, and your friends. It’s virtually impossible to imagine what you are going through but my prayers are with you all. This website is truly amazing.
    love Liz

  • #29 by Paul and Leanne Van Hoof at May 31st, 2009

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    Tom, Sal and your two gorgeous girls
    Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily and that if there is any way at all that we may be of any help, we are just a phone call away (Harare 490 619). Keep strong during this most trying of times in the knowledge that you are loved and supported by so many. All our love and positive energy,
    Paul and Leanne Van Hoof
    x

  • #30 by Lindsay Earle at June 2nd, 2009

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    It was so good to see you – looking so much better. Thinking of you all the time and seeing you well. Much love to all of you. Adam and Linds

  • #31 by Wendy Greenway at June 2nd, 2009

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    A little appeal to all of Tom and Sal’s wonderful support network, I know how it feels to wait and wait for news and we all feel like we have said all we can say, etc, but they need you all, keep those messages coming people! I know, like myself, that all of you are still thinking of them every minute of every day but you just don’t know what else to say. Just say what you are thinking! Let them know you still have them in your hearts as I know you all do, and let your hopes and wishes fly to them continuously.

  • #32 by Sarah Elderkin at June 2nd, 2009

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    To Tom and all the family, especially my dear friend Jane and Tom’s wife and children:
    Elderkins are all thinking of you, willing you onward, wishing you courage and strength to get through these difficult days. We think of you constantly and send our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery to stability, and then for the journey forward. Keep the faith Tom. We also keep it for you. Stay strong.
    Love, Sarah

  • #33 by Kevin Durban-Jackson at June 3rd, 2009

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    Dear Tom and family,
    Although I have never met you I will pray for you.
    I have a verse from Isaiah which I believe is for you
    Isa 40:31
    “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
    I’m grateful for the Christian faith imparted to me in my days at Saints and trust that you also can draw on the power of The Holy Spirit to give you breath, strength, and healing
    Every blessing
    Kevin Durban-Jackson (64). UK

  • #34 by Cathy Judson at June 4th, 2009

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    Dear Sally

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family during this time.

    Love
    Stew and Cathy Judson

  • #35 by Patrick Ward at June 4th, 2009

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    Our intercessory prayer group has been praying for you and your family daily Tom –
    peace and love to each of you.

    Patrick Ward
    Assistant Rector
    St. Anne’s in-the-Fields
    Lincoln, Massachusetts / USA

  • #36 by Suzanne Robinson at June 5th, 2009

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    Hello Tom. Good news this week – well done on your breathing. Lovely comment from Nick about Keegan: At a recent rugby match at Saints, an OG Miles Trustham, did a collection for Keegan which was well-supported. He is also in our daily thoughts and prayers, as you are. Keep well and keep winning! Love Gregg and Suzanne

  • #37 by Chris & Lizzie Moon at June 6th, 2009

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    Tom, Sal & the Girls,

    We’re all still close by and thinking about you contstantly, zipping positivity and continued strength accross the air waves!

    Keep going buddy – you’re doing SO well!

    Love, hugs and kisses,
    The Moon 4

  • #38 by Jan Selby at June 6th, 2009

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    Tom, Sal and the girls,
    So pleased to hear that you are breathing on your own !! One hurdle down.You are constantly in our thoughts and and we talk about you every Wed morning at our Grade 5 commitee meeting at Chisi Jnr and waiting for you to return to keep us focused.Ha Ha !! You’ll know what I mean !!
    Jan Selby

  • #39 by Peta-Jane and Craig Spong at June 6th, 2009

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    Hi Sal and Tom

    Our two mantra’s right now are: “Breath Tom breathe” and “Turn Baby turn”.

    Emma Cavanagh (London) is due to give birth any day now but lots of scary health complications – and added stress that Baby Cav is breech. Cavs are desperate for homebirth and for no intervention after Maisie’s horrific birth!

    Thinking of you and as always, praying. Extra big hugs……

  • #40 by Lol Reitz at June 7th, 2009

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    Good breathing Tom- keep going- we are there and thinking of you all the time. Much love Sal and girls,
    Lol

  • #41 by julie makings at June 7th, 2009

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    my dear family that end, just wanted you to know my thoughts are still with you constantly… Love you all loads, charlie is well jane and robert. please send tom special love i hope to be back for a visit soon x sending breathing energy across the oceans.. Keep up the fight tom, baby steps- slow and steady x

  • #42 by Robin Brown at June 8th, 2009

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    Hi Tom, Following your progress regularly on this site. Well done with the breathing, keep up the efforts . Such strong vibes from all over, supporting your determination. Just look at the bed opposite and get there, just as soon as you can. Robin and Jo Brown.

  • #43 by Sal Soper at June 8th, 2009

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    My Beautiful, sure breaths in and deep breaths out. We are still breathing for you, every second of the day. We are waiting for you. We love you to the moon and back,to the sun and back and around each star a million times. We love you THIS much! Love your Pretty Girls

  • #44 by Alex Babiolakis at June 8th, 2009

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    Dear Tom, Sally, Ciara and Erin

    We were so saddened to hear about Tom’s accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this extremely difficult time. You inspire us with your wonderful positive energy and inner strength. Love John and Alex Babiolakis and family.

  • #45 by Gay & Peter Bourhill at June 8th, 2009

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    We are still taking deep breaths for you Tom even tho Peter’s ribs do hurt! Keep up the good work we are all with you every step of the way.
    Lots of love
    Gay Peter Seb Freda Jack Joseph Char Karl and Marcus

  • #46 by Ray Soper at June 9th, 2009

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    WELL DONE TOMOGEEGEE, SAT UP AND WATCHED CRICKET AND ATE, AMEN, AMEN AMEN.
    My dearest brother, my prayers are always with you and I wish I could have been there with you today. Well done, well done and rest hard too. Immense love always Ray, Jane and Lillianxxx

  • #47 by Alison at June 9th, 2009

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    Dear Tom

    We are thinking of you everyday and missing you so much. Can’t wait to see you again. Wish I was sitting with you watching cricket.

    Love you so much

    Love Al

  • #48 by Nikki & Terry Edwards at June 9th, 2009

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    Lovely Tom…you have been watching the cricket…you are the star! Breathing for you every day. Nikki xxx

  • #49 by Wendy Greenway at June 9th, 2009

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    Dear Tom,
    Wonder if you are reading these yet? Ant is coming to see you tomorrow. We miss you so, so much. sending you love and strength every minute of every day.
    This is truly a dark night for all of us, but the sun will rise again and until then we are holding your hand and sitting with you.

  • #50 by Nicky and Mark Dawson at June 9th, 2009

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    Dearest Tom, thinking of you heaps, Mark said you gave him one of your magic smiles last week and said it was awesome to see you again. wishing you well and lots of love to you and your girls. Nick xxxx