Sarah Usher finds out she's going to prom thanks to KZN on Keri's Couch
We've been inundated with emails the entire week from the listeners of KZN wanting to help matric student, Sarah Usher go to prom. I got a chance to sit down with her to reveal all - and her reaction was heartwarming and priceless.
Listen to the interview here:
The shy girl stood with her eyes slightly down. She is tall,
slim with beautiful skin and her hair neatly braided.
The stress of matric finals is taking its toll, but it’s nothing compared to what she has already gone through in her 18 years of life.
Sarah has the most beautiful energy, but the sadness is barely hidden behind her kind eyes. A sick Mom. An addicted Dad. Siblings split amongst family members. A household filled with a lot of nothing.
READ: How you can get involved in Sarah's prom experience
It’s a sad sad story where, thanks to you KZN, has not only a beautiful ending, but an exciting new beginning.
This is the mail from her aunt that started it all:
"Hello Keri
I trust you are well. I have a very special request. I have a niece who has a wish to go to her matric ball, unfortunately, she comes from a very poor home. She lives in a single room with her mentally ill mother and 63yr old Granny who is also ill. Both of them cannot afford to send her. Having only them as parents growing up. Her father never played any role of support since birth and continues to live an unhealthy Drug lifestyle. Growing up for her has never been easier as she didn't choose her parents. Most teenagers at her age generally blame there upbringing as excuses to be destructive. We are proud that she has overcome so much at her age and is now in her final year of Matric. I would truly wish she could have a "once" in a lifetime experience of a magical night and an opportunity to go, I know this will mean a lot to her. She truly deserves this, as she has endured a very hard childhood, no real home, no proper income as they live on social grants only. I thought it would be magical to have her dreams come true and being able to attend her matric ball. It will really be a dream come true for her. Please, can you find it in your heart ECR to bring this joy to her heart? Noelene"
Here’s to you, Sarah! You deserve every bit of spoiling that KZN has put together for you.
A big thank you to the following sponsors for assisting us:
Facials, Manicure and Pedicure by Jennifer Eales Skincare
Makeup by Mariaane Visagie
Hair by Carlton Hair La Lucia
Transportation by Kia Umhlanga, Durban and Pinetown
Crisis Medical and Marshall Security
Sandy Nicholson – Paid R480 for Sarah’s ticket
Candiese Marnewick – Paid R480 for Sarah’s partner’s ticket
Principal Roger Collins from NewBridge – They will be talking to Sarah about her tertiary education
Satin Candy
Dress by Jasmins Bridal – Jasmins Bridal is your go-to store for a fabulous evening and wedding gowns. Longstanding and reputable, Jasmins Bridal are Industry leaders. They have 3 luxurious stores with the largest most varied range of imported, ready to wear gowns for that special occasion. Jasmines Bridal, where your fairytale begins. Contact 031 208 4982 or visit them at 486 Peter Mokaba Road, Essenwood
Photography by Photoworx - Photoworx is a KZN based photography service that focuses on capturing corporate and private events. Fashion and wedding photography as well as fine art photography. Exceptional images deserve an exceptional presentation. Photoworx is passionate about creating images into memories that last forever. Catch them on Facebook - Photoworx and Instagram - @photo_worx
Flower Power - For everything beautiful in flowers, there is always Flower Power Florist. They deliver to Durban and surrounding areas.Visit Flower Power Florist at Churchill House, 91 Churchill road Morningside or call 031 316 5004.
Eat Greek - For exceptional food, and service Eat Greek has it all. From curry to nyama and even baklava, their cuisine will certainly tantalise your taste buds. Whether it's traditional, simple or an exciting fusion style catering you're looking for, ask people who know and love food, Eat Greek or call 031 5633877.
Jum Designs - The details of Jum Designs are best described here. Their social media handle for both Instagram and Facebook are @jumdesigns1.
Planet54 – Africa's fastest growing online store and Durban's favourite online store offers an experience of a platform that provides you with fashion, homeware, and accessories that meet quality and price point. Inspired by both local & international authenticity and trends - Planet54 is home to Hugo Boss, PUMA, Seduction, TomTom and more. With efficiency and ease of access at the base of their growing plan - The Planet54 retail space is based at Cornubia Mall in KZN. Join them in-store or online today.
Christene from Vodacom KZN team - Vodacom KZN Regional office has donated a Brand-new Vodafone tablet loaded with 10 gigs data and thereafter data for 12 months to Sarah. Most importantly, they have loaded e-school onto the tablet so Sarah has help with Matric Exams.
If you want to donate to Sarah's prom experience, details below:
Bank: RMB
Account Name: Kagiso Media (PTY) Ltd
Account number: 62222428337
Branch code: 255005
Reference: Sarah
KZN - you never disappoint, thank you for your generosity. We are truly grateful. With you, this wouldn't have been possible.