In a world often overshadowed by self-interest and indifference, the heart-warming story of Adrie Coetzee, a qualified and experienced nurse from the New Apostolic Church, reminds us that acts of kindness still illuminate our communities. Coetzee, who runs Angel Wings Helping Hand, a mobile well-care business, has been serving the areas in Loerie Heuwel, Hankey, Patensie, and beyond since 2021, offering care that extends far beyond the ordinary.
Coetzee provides essential services to the vulnerable, including the homeless and those nearing the end of their lives. Her work embodies the very essence of compassion, with her team offering housing, food, clothing, employment, education, and spiritual guidance to those in need. Her passion for helping people led her to create a haven for the underprivileged, a mission that began back in 1999.
Recently, Coetzee encountered an end-of-life patient suffering from motor neuron disease, Sharron Repco, who has spent over 15 years in Jeffreys Bay. As Repco has been approaching the final stages of her life, she expressed her final wish to Coetzee, to see the beach one last time. Moved by this request and aware of Repco’s isolation, having no immediate family by her side, Coetzee set out to make this wish a reality.
Determined to make it happen for her patient who no longer has family she is in contact with, Coetzee reached out to REMS Ambulance Services, a trusted partner in her community efforts. In a beautiful collaboration, REMS volunteered to transport Repco to the main Jeffreys Bay beach. There, amid the rhythmic sounds of the ocean, Repco was carried from the ambulance to the water’s edge on a medical stretcher. The moment she felt the sea breeze and saw the waves, a serene calmness enveloped her as she softly let out, “Now I am at peace and ready to go.”
This touching moment not only touched Coetzee but everyone present, engraving an unforgettable memory into their hearts. It was a bittersweet farewell, showcasing the power of empathy and the profound impact one can have by simply fulfilling a dying wish.
Coetzee shared insights about herself and her work. Inspired by a deep desire to support those nearing the end of their journey; she found joy in making last wishes come true, whether it’s a visit to the beach or a simple tea gathering. She emphasised that such gestures provide immense comfort and hope, even in the darkest times.
Reflecting on Repco’s experience, Coetzee noted the indescribable happiness in her patient’s frail face. “We all could tell it was a moment of gratitude that brought tears to all those who were present. To work with patients who are close to dying is always sad, and not always easy to watch them go or see how they suffer in the end, wishing it was time to go already. But knowing that we could help make one little wish come true, and make them feel as comfortable as possible, is extremely rewarding, and fills my heart with joy,” Coetzee said.
The qualified nurse hopes that her dedication, along with REMS Ambulance Services’ unfailing support, will exemplify how community collaboration can make a significant difference.
Angel Wings Helping Hand continues to operate in various areas, including Hankey, Patensie, Humansdorp, Thornhill, and Jeffreys Bay, offering a beacon of hope and kindness. The community is encouraged to support Angel Wings Helping Hand’s mission, ensuring that acts of compassion like these continue to flourish. “We help quite a few end-of-life patients free of charge, but unfortunately not all. There are some who really need our assistance, and we cannot turn them away. For them, we really need the help of the community.”
Through this act of kindness, Coetzee sends a heartfelt message:
At the time of going to print, Coetzee said, “Sharron is still with us just very close to the end. She cannot move, speak, eat, or do anything anymore. So, we think her time is very close to going home to the Lord.”
To get in touch with Angel Wings Helping Hand, send a WhatsApp message to 066 068 8455.
