Chris Thynne, 59, former British army tank Crewman who also worked for the NHS, is appealing for help to bring Ntsandvo, aged five, and her father Sizwe from eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, to Plymouth to spend Christmas with him and his wife Lisa.
Chris and Lisa spent ten years living in eSwatini, where they were involved in community projects supporting children and families. During that time they developed a close family bond with Ntsandvo, whom Chris describes as his adopted granddaughter in the family sense.
The last time Chris hugged Ntsandvo was on 17 July this year, when he left eSwatini promising the little girl that he would return. Following his terminal diagnosis, however, he has been told he is unable to make the journey back to Africa.
Instead, he hopes to bring Ntsandvo and her father to Plymouth for around six weeks from December, so the family can spend Christmas together and create some lasting memories.
During their years in Africa, Chris and Lisa were involved with Swazi Dreams and ran the Shine Bright eSwatini projects, which provided Christmas meals and presents for children in rural communities.
Chris has also begun writing children’s books inspired by Ntsandvo’s adventures in Africa, and hopes to create a special Christmas story with her if the family can be reunited.
The estimated cost of the trip is £2,500. The charity Military vs Cancer has offered £800, leaving £1,700 to be raised through an online appeal.
Chris said: “This isn’t about an expensive holiday. It’s about family, keeping a promise to a little girl and making memories together while I still can”
Any surplus money will go straight to a schooling fund for Ntsandvo.
Anyone wishing to support the appeal check out the Crowdfunding page, Help Bring My Family Home for One Last Christmas.
Photographs © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post/submitted