The pensioner lives in South Africa and suffers with multiple sclerosis and other conditions, reports Hannah Bentley

A Crouch End resident is raising money for her sick elderly mother living in South Africa.

Vanessa Zachos has set up a GoFundMe page in the hopes of raising £2,725 to pay for her mother’s urgent medical care and necessary home upgrades.

Annelore, her 80-year-old mother who was recently widowed and lives in Johannesburg, suffers with multiple sclerosis (MS) and requires physiotherapy and X-rays for her back and legs, which are expected to cost £650.

She also needs dental treatment due to a problematic bridge making it difficult for Annelore to use her teeth.

Over 58% of the donations will be dedicated to giving Annelore’s home important upgrades such as a solar electrical generator and a water tank.

Water and electricity outages are common in the city, with residents spending days without basic amenities. In anticipation for these outages, Annelore is forced to collect buckets of rainwater and often uses candles to light her home.

“It’s quite worrying knowing she doesn’t have water or electricity,” said Vanessa. “She’s elderly and a bit immobile and I just want her to have an easier time.”

A new water tank would allow Annelore to perform daily tasks such as flushing the toilet and bathing, while the solar panel would mean she can charge her phone and stay in contact with her family.

Among her community, Annelore is known for her generosity and kindness, often caring for stray animals while they are waiting to be rehomed.

“She always goes out of her way to help others when they need it. She gives charity even when she doesn’t have much, which is so rare.”

In 2023 Annelore’s husband, Vanessa’s father, died a year before they could celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Her husband suffered with a schizoaffective disorder which meant he was unable to work for the majority of Vanessa’s childhood. As a result, Annelore supported and raised all five of their daughters by herself.

Now that she’s elderly and living alone, Vanessa wants to make sure her mother is taken care of.

“She always extends a helping and loving hand, and I just want my mother to have some kind of peace in her old age.”

So far, Vanessa has raised £365 and is very grateful to those who have already shown their support.

“It’s so terrifying asking for help or financial donations, especially when it’s so personal. So, I’m deeply appreciative to anybody who shares the page or donates.”

Any additional donations will go to the ZacFam Foundation created by Vanessa in memory of her late father. The charity offers support to people in Johannesburg who are dealing with a difficult mental diagnosis in their family.

Support the GoFundMe page for Annelore:
Visit gofundme.com/f/donate-to-help-our-elderly-mother-annelore-with-home-and-
med

For more information about the ZacFam Foundation:
Visit sites.google.com/view/zacfamfoundation

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