George Hickes, a former soccer star from Nadroga, is turning his grief into purposeful action through charitable work following the loss of his wife to leukemia in 2023. In a heartfelt recount, Hickes described the day his wife passed away at the Lautoka hospital, highlighting a distressing incident when he urgently needed a wheelchair but found none available. He and others resorted to using a bed sheet to transport her, but unfortunately, it was too late.
That traumatic experience became a catalyst for Hickes, motivating him to help others facing similar challenges. “On that day, I promised myself I was going to seek the support of donors and help people who struggled with wheelchair assistance,” he declared.
Hickes, who played for Nadroga in the 1980s, detailed his journey from soccer to various careers, including working as a tour guide and driving for businesses like Sun Tours and ATS Pacific. His passion for sharing Fiji’s natural beauty with tourists reflects his love for his homeland, despite acknowledging ongoing social issues such as drug abuse.
His story resonates with others in similar situations, such as Nafitalai Uluinikorotabu, known as Nafi, who has also transformed personal tragedy into advocacy for disability rights. Nafi’s journey, marked by a severe spinal injury at 16, led him to become a Disability Inclusion Officer, working to improve community integration for people with disabilities in Fiji.
Both Hickes and Nafi exemplify resilience and a commitment to service, proving that personal challenges can drive significant change within communities. Their stories inspire hope and underline the power of compassion in addressing societal issues. This sense of unity and collective effort can pave the way for a brighter future, not just for individuals in difficult circumstances, but for the entire community.
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