Support Sammy's 3 children
On Sunday 8th August, our most loved Master Tailor, Sammy slipped away peacefully to a brighter place. His son Katana was by his side. Sammy battled with malaria, and was in and out of hospital. His ongoing diabetes added further complications, and he was admitted to the best hospital in Malindi. He bravely had dialysis treatment for his kidneys. But he was weakened, and he left us on Sunday night.
It's all happened so very quickly and we are all in total shock. Sammy was THE reason and the WHY for Bushbells. It all started with my mother and me all those years ago wanting to find him more work to boost his income, after he’d been widowed with 3 young children to support.
Spare a thought for Sammy’s 3 children and if you'd like to help or contribute to them and their welfare and ongoing education please use this platform to donate. They have no parents now.
Katana (23) is at an international university in Nairobi. Mahenzo his sister is 19 and at college training to be a tailor like her father, and Patience the youngest, is 17 with two years of secondary education to complete.
Bushbells' success is entirely due to Sammy. The two schools we've built in Watamu from profits earned from our sales are all thanks to him and the beautiful clothes he made, together with his ‘girls’ – Lilian, Rahema and Ruth – who complete Team Bushbells.
It's Sammy's name you see on every single label. He was a tailor like no other. Nothing was too much trouble, and he was adored by all who knew him. His quiet and gentle manner combined with his winning smile and committed 'can' do attitude was unique. He was one of the best friends I've ever had.
Our tears are the price we pay for loving someone. Sammy is now unfettered by human chains and will be flying high on the backs of rainbows and sunbeams, colourful chains of stitches and golden threads, and the treasured memories we all have of him, will be in our hearts forever. No one can ever take these away from us. Godspeed darling Sammy. Rest in peace.
