By Jodie Symonds
A FOUNDATION in honour of Edge Martial Arts’ Kyoshi Andrew Roberts will help families affected by cancer.
His wife of 16 years Heather and their children Katherine, Jennifer, Amy, Corey and Samantha decided it was time to give back to the community he adored.
Mr Roberts, 53, passed away in his Lilydale home on Tuesday 22 November following a year-long battle with brain cancer.
The ‘Kyoshi Andrew Roberts Foundation’ aims to help families who would like to bring their loved one home instead of spending their final days in a hospital.
Families who bring their loved ones home may also need and will be provided with items including shower rails, wheel chairs and hospital beds.
Mr Roberts’ daughter, Amy Gardam said he spent his last week in his home surrounded by family.
She said he hated hospitals.
“He would go into a hospital and say, ‘nope, this makes me feel sick I’m out of here’,” Ms Gardam said.
“Having him home gave mum a chance to sleep next to him every night, and we got to see him every day.”
She said he had a passion for helping others, and his family would like to continue on his legacy for others to spend precious time with their family without the burden of finances or lack of medical equipment.
“It’s also about support – they will be able to talk to us about how we coped and what we did, and it will be helpful for them to talk to someone,” Ms Gardam said.
His wife Heather said she was thankful for the support of her family for doing the washing and making meals for her to spend as much time with Mr Roberts as she could before he passed.
“(Some families) aren’t as fortunate,” Ms Roberts said.
“We want to assist families so they can be together until they pass away.
“Andrew wanted to stay home, and I made sure he did.”
Ms Gardam said the world got darker when he passed away.
“The world lost a great person when Dad died,” Ms Gardam said.
“It’s so sad he passed away because he and mum were so in love.”
The foundation will be ready to accept donations within the next few months.
“We just want to get the word out there right now – we know our dad would be so proud of us,” Ms Gardam said.
For more information, search ‘Kyoshi Andrew Roberts Foundation’ on Facebook.
