Patrick Garratt (75) from Cape Town, a lifelong fisherman and passionate surfer, has regained his independence after 19 supporters raised R54,880 in just nine days to fund an electric wheelchair following a devastating stroke.
The campaign, launched by his daughter Su Huggett after Pat suffered a stroke while surfing in Muizenberg on 24 April 2024, exceeded its R50,000 target, reaching 110% of its goal. The wheelchair has now been purchased and delivered, giving Pat renewed mobility, dignity and the ability to experience life beyond the confines of frail care.
For decades, Pat’s life revolved around the ocean. A dedicated fisherman for most of his working years, he made a bold decision the year before retirement — he took up surfing. His reasoning was simple: surf while he still could, fish later when he was less mobile.
Surfing quickly became his daily ritual. At Muizenberg, he became known as one of the familiar older heroes, often the first in the water each morning, sharing the surf report. Younger surfers admired his grit. Being in the waves gave him purpose.
Pat also spent his professional life connected to the ocean. According to his daughter Su, “Dad has been a marine biologist all his life and before retirement he was Director of the Two Oceans Aquarium.” In addition to his work in marine conservation, Pat is also an author who has written several books about his life and experiences at sea.
Then, on an ordinary morning doing what he loved most, everything changed.
The Day the Sea Went Quiet
On 24 April 2024, fellow surfers noticed Pat was in distress. He had suffered a stroke in the water. They brought him safely to shore before he was rushed to hospital, where the diagnosis was confirmed.
Stroke recovery is rarely predictable. Pat’s determination to fully recover was strong, but rehabilitation proved challenging. After trying to remain at home, he moved into Murambi House, a frail care facility close to his wife, Alice, who visits every day.
While the care has been compassionate, what Pat missed most was independence — the ability to move freely, step outside when he wished, and reconnect with the world beyond his room.
A Spark of Determination
At Murambi House, Pat formed a friendship with Kevin, a double amputee who lives with extraordinary independence and regularly visits Muizenberg beach with his carer.
Kevin’s words resonated deeply:
“You must do what you can, for as long as you can.”
That mindset reignited Pat’s drive. He wanted to regain mobility. He wanted to join family outings and spend time outdoors. He wanted, in his own way, to feel free again.
The solution was an electric self-propelling wheelchair.
The financial reality of stroke recovery — therapy, medical care and long-term support — had already stretched resources. The wheelchair was beyond reach.
So Su launched the campaign.
Wheels of Freedom Delivered
In just nine days, 19 donors came together to raise R54,880 — surpassing the R50,000 target.
The response moved the family deeply.
“The tears were welling up when he spoke about the overwhelming gratitude of people,” Alice shared. “He is so happy to have this new kind of freedom.”
Messages poured in:
“Here’s to your imminent wheels of freedom Pat!”
“Keep moving Dr Pat, huge love.”
“By sea or by land, you will keep moving!”
Friends also shared playful encouragement after seeing Pat test his new wheels.
“Looks like he aced it. Congrats doc — now he needs a driver’s licence for that thing!” one supporter joked.
The wheelchair has now been delivered. Photos shared by the family show Pat on his first test drive — upright, smiling, independent.
The family hopes to take him on his first outing soon, with a visit to Kirstenbosch Gardens planned in the coming days.
For those close to him, the campaign was about far more than equipment.
“The response says a huge amount about who Pat is,” Alice reflected. “It has been incredibly moving to see so many people wanting to help.”
This was more than fundraising. It was a community restoring dignity.
The ocean once gave Pat freedom. Now, his community has given some of that freedom back.
To read more about Pat visit their BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/a-man-of-the-sea-a-wheelchair-for-pat
