A charity in memory of ‘Akanete Lotomo’ua Ahio, a 44-year-old mother who promised she would work as a volunteer for the Cancer Foundation if she survived her own illness, was launched last week.
Her eldest daughter, Latu Kalasini Laurinda ‘Ahio, told diners at her father’s Manukau Catering Event Centre in Auckland: “Tonight was my dad's idea and launching [Lotomo’ua’s] charity foundation will definitely make her dreams come true.”
“Her annual charity foundation will take place in remembrance of my mum and so her legacy will live forever.”
‘Akanete’s husband, Soane ‘Ahio said 50 percent of the funds raised at the launch of the charity would go to the Viola Maka Appeal.
The Appeal is raising funds in Australia to pay for Tongan woman Viola Maka’s cardiac surgery in Queensland.
In her speech, Laurinda said: “Many of you here may have lost a loved one in your lives.”
“Losing someone close to you is the most devastating thing to go through in life. I truly believe that no child should ever go through the pain of losing their mother, especially at a young age.
“Growing up without a mum you struggle to keep yourself together and feel like your world has come down.
“Losing someone who gave me life and who I expected to be there for me and my siblings till our old age is the worst feeling any kid could feel. A year on and we're pushing through.
“Many of you here may have known my mother as a friend, a colleague and family,” Laurinda said.
“She was kind, strong willed, warm hearted, humble and a person with strong faith. She respected herself and others around her, valued her cultural traditions and religious beliefs.
“My mum’s last wish for me was to be obedient and responsible and to have a huge 21st. She was the type of person everyone loved. She was ideal in my eyes.”
Laurinda said her mother told her father that if she ever recovered she would work as a volunteer for the Cancer Foundation.
Lotomo’ua is survived by her husband Soane Kelemte Ahio who owns the Catering Professionals Ltd, and their three children.
The main points
- A charity in memory of a 44-year-old mother who promised she would work as a volunteer for the Cancer Foundation if she survived her own illness, was launched last week.
- ‘Akanete Lotomo’ua Ahio’s family held an event in Manukau to raise money in her memory.
- Her eldest daughter, Latu Kalasini Laurinda ‘Ahio, described her mother as kind, strong-willed, warm hearted, humble and a person with strong faith.
- Half the money raised at the launch of the charity will go the Viola Maka Appeal.
Daughter Latu Kalasini Laurinda ‘Ahio (Left), Akanete Lotomo'ua 'Ahio (middle)
