KNYSNA NEWS - "Surfing allows one simply to be oneself. It taught me many things, including independence. I felt the pleasure of knowing that it was good to be alive," wrote Tim Noakes in his latest book, Challenging Beliefs.

Dr Janet Stanford of Hospice Knysna, referred to this quote while accepting a cheque for a whopping R121 000, handed over by the organisers of the recent Ross Taylor Surf Contest, adding, "The fact that the organisers of the Ross Taylor Surfing event can take the memory of Ross and the pleasure of being alive and turn it into such an immensely successful fund-raiser for Hospice results in such a perfect fit that everyone enjoys it and we and our patients are immensely grateful."

Recently, the frequent requests from people in desperate need have resulted in the extension of the Hospice services as far as Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay, assisting some patients who are not catered for by the CANSA team there.

In acknowledgement of the humility with which the Ross Taylor Surf Contest organisers raise much-needed funds, she added: "I know that you would be embarrassed by lavish thank you gifts, but we really need you all to understand how grateful we are, so what I suggest is that we plant a tree for Ross in our lovely garden on Arbour Day as a token of our appreciation."

In closing Dr Stanford said, "Thank you to everyone involved for this wonderful support. It means a great deal to us at Hospice, not only in funding our services but also in confirming to our staff and volunteers that our work has value."

The organisers of the Ross Taylor Surf Contest conveyed their thanks to every person and business who so generously donated/ sponsored and gave of their time.