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Ed Weston - teacher, poet, artist, mentor, chef and friend

  • Going Solo...Into the Landscape

      24 June 2019

    Going Solo...Into the Landscape

    Many of you will know about Ed's love of all things Art. He had a dream of holding an exhibition of his work, originally planned for the end of this term.

    Ed's dream will now be realised this coming Friday, 28th June, from 4 pm until 6 pm in the Otumoetai College Art Department, Atrium. Going Solo...Into the Landscape, will be formally opened by a good friend of Ed's. The exhibition of Ed's Art will then continue to be on display from Monday 1st July through to Thursday 4th from 9.30 to 3.30pm, daily.

    Everyone welcome.

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  • Memorial Service

      19 June 2019

    A public memorial service to celebrate the life and friendship of Ed Weston will be held on Friday, 28th June at 2pm in the Otumoetai College Performing Arts Centre (PAC)

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  • 💗

      18 June 2019
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    It is with the deepest sadness that we let you know Ed passed away peacefully this morning with his family by his side 💗 Our love goes out to Jo, Alex, Leo and extended family.

    We will post service details at a later date. 🖼🧗‍♂️🌄☀️👨🏻‍🎨🥇📖💗

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    • 18/06/2019 by Michelle

      Thinking of your family at this time xx Thank you for being a positive influence in mine & my daughters lives ♥️

    • 18/06/2019 by Kurdt

      Ed,

      You were more than just a teacher, you were an inspiration to many. Thank you for every moment that we shared as they were all as incredible as you. Sending my love to Jo, Alex and Leo during this time.

    • 19/06/2019 by Ebony

      I'm so so saddened to read this update. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, for all the lives you touched and transformed. I'll never ever forget you. I'm so sorry our coffee date didn't happen, heaven needed you sooner. ❤

    • 19/06/2019 by Ebony

      Please do post funeral details asap, definitely will be so many wanting to attend.

  • Autumn Update from Ed

      30 April 2019

    It is just over a month since my last update! Things have changed quite rapidly with me going on to a new alternate regime of chemo by tablet form every alternative day and also radiation therapy for 10 consecutive days finishing on Friday, 12 April and now having to deal with the incredible side effects of fatigue! Furthermore, the chemo has in the interim been temporarily suspended to allow the specialists an opportunity to gauge whether or not the radiation is doing its job!

    Again may I thank you all for walking with me on what is becoming an increasingly difficult road to walk or if you wish climbing the mountain is presenting some really challenging traverses!

    Within myself I am strong and count each day a blessing! My teacher continues to demand more and more from me but the lessons I learn fill me with profound joy - as strange as that may seem!

    As the Dalai Lama once said “one step at a time”! And, that is how I manage to get by each day!

    Thanks particularly to Kim Watson-Whyte, Sarah Smythe, Claire Lander and a number of senior Otumoetai College Students for their support and organisation of the film night. I'd also like to thank Kathryn Knipe for organising the raffle, and Brendon Good for Brookfield New World's generous sponsorship of the raffle prize and the platters on the film night.

    The raffle was won by a very happy Lou Wreaks! Congratulations.

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    • 30/04/2019 by David

      I hope things get easier for you soon Ed. Keeping positive this chemo will do its job. Thank you for the update.

    • 01/05/2019 by Alison

      You have come so far, you are amazing!!

      Be strong and stay positive, we hope to hear of some very positive results from your treatment very soon x

  • New Developments

      10 March 2019
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    There have been some developments in Ed's journey this week, and we also wanted to let those of you who are local know that we have a movie night fundraiser organised on Thursday the 28th of March at 6pm - ‘Swimming With Men - Sync or Swim’.

    Thanks to your efforts, the Weston's were able to afford to fund the $7500 a month for his dramatically life-changing medication. As a result, Ed is now able to fulfil his long-held dream of painting full time, and, thanks to the incredible efforts and support by you he feels he, at last, has the energy and determination to get up a few canvases. This angel of a man has painted an absolutely stunning picture to auction as a fund-raiser for one of Otumoetai College's students, who is also battling cancer. It is the first time in just over a year that Ed has felt so inspired to get things done and he wants everyone to know how grateful he is for your wonderful, ongoing support! It has meant more to him and his family than one could imagine!

    In a recent development, the doctor's have now changed the medication that Ed is on. A positive outcome, however, is that, for the time being, the new medications ARE funded so the burden of the heavily non-funded drug has been lifted for now.

    As we are unsure of what medication will be required in the future to ensure that Ed continues to lead a full and active life, we are keeping the page open. As many of you can appreciate, the cost of this journey has not been cheap.

    Ed is really looking forward to the movie night!! So if you are able, please join him! Email kwhyte@otc.school.nz for tickets!

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  • Ed

      18 February 2019
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    Ed’s days are just getting brighter and better, keep the love and donations coming 💗

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  • Sensational Summer ☀️

      15 February 2019

    Ed’s had a glorious summer! His quality of life has vastly improved and his optimism continues to shine brighter every day. The strength and love shown through messages and visits from friends, family, colleagues and past students has made his journey so much easier and given him the courage to keep climbing when he’s felt vulnerable and needed that support. Ed and his family appreciate the enormous contribution everyone has made towards funding this lifeline.

    Let’s continue to show Ed how much we care. The next $15,000 is due in March. You’ve kindly helped cover the costs to date but now we need Ed to celebrate an awesome Autumn. 💗

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    • 17/02/2019 by Julie

      Thanks for the positive update!

      Enjoyed your Dec/Jan posts Ed and in the lull since then you've obviously been making the best of this hot summer. Well done.

      Julie & Makayla 💗

  • Happy New Year

      1 January 2019
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    Today I feel quite like my old self! Indeed, it is a wonderful feeling! It is a miracle - life is a miracle! Thank you to everyone who made this miracle possible for me and my family! Thank you for your generosity and inspiring comments - those have been a healing in themselves.

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    • 02/01/2019 by Paula

      Hi Ed. Hope you've had a fantastic Christmas and New Year with family. I'm glad the new medication is doing it's trick. Let's just hope you continue to go from strength to strength. Onwards and upwards from here! Paula x

    • 03/01/2019 by Shirley

      Hi Ed. Wonderful news the medication is having impact and you are feeling like yr old self again. Life has a way of challenging us almost too far sometimes but then it comes back and embraces us with better times. Enjoy yr time away with family and relax with a book when you can. Take care dear friend🦋🌹.

    • 03/01/2019 by SANDRA

      AWESOME NEWS Ed and Jo!!!

      Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR and many more. Ed I love reading your words of wisdom. Eg: Cancer being your biggest teacher and learning. You're looking great. Keep up the strong fight. LOVE YOU XOX

      SANDY

  • Encouraging News from Ed 💗

      31 December 2018
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    After our appointment today it appears that the new medication is making a difference to my situation for which we are most grateful! We are certainly very much encouraged and would like to say yet again, a huge thank you, to everyone for their support and generous comments and donations! One step at a time!

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    • 01/01/2019 by Lorena

      That's fantastic news, I'm so pleased for you Ed. Happy New Year to you and your family, Lx

    • 03/01/2019 by Dallas

      Hi Ed and Jo, nice talking to you this morning - now I realise I can get your updates via this page (doh!) Wonderful news that the specialist is pleased with progress to date. Have a lovely holiday in the Coromandel.

  • Merry Christmas from Ed

      24 December 2018

    This update is dedicated to Dr Gillian Corbett and her team of dedicated nurses and administrative personnel at the Tauranga Cancer Centre! Their thoughtfulness and care over the past few months has been amazing!

    Furthermore, my family and I are blown away by the generous donations and supportive comments that continue to appear on the Give a Little page!

    To Claire for her continuing and amazing support, as well as Margaret, Kimbo and Sarah!

    A very Happy Christmas to everyone!

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    • 24/12/2018 by Claire

      Merry Christmas 🎄 to a wonderful climbing buddy, Jo, Alex and Leo. Have a fabulous day with friends and family x

    • 24/12/2018 by Lorena

      Merry Christmas Mr Weston, I'm thinking of you and your family. When it comes to your Christmas dinner, 'Go hard out! ' Looking forward to receiving a Christmas Day pic tomorrow, Lx

    • 27/12/2018 by Kim

      Merry Christmas Comrade!!!!!! They’ve celebrated Christmas as a holiday in Russia since 1992. That gives me strength

  • Thank you!!

      22 December 2018
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    Beautiful flowers and a lovely message delivered today 💗

    Dearest Ed,

    Our very best love and good wishes surround you on this journey.

    We are all walking with you in support.

    Love always ‘Mr Ed’ xxx

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    • 23/12/2018 by Kim

      Beautiful!!

  • Ed and Jo

      22 December 2018
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    Our 36th Wedding anniversary - on 21 December 2018. Ed

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    • 22/12/2018 by Lorena

      Wow, 36 years! Congratulations to you both. Lx

    • 22/12/2018 by Tina

      Congratulations to you both.xx

    • 22/12/2018 by Edgar

      Joanne is wonderful and she has given me incredible support over 38 years but especially on this journey! Gracie!

    • 23/12/2018 by Kim

      Congratulations!

      We love you two!

      (And three!!)

  • From Ed

      20 December 2018
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    I would be quite justified in saying that the response to the “Give a Little” page has been not only overwhelming but astonishing in the extreme! In fact beyond my wildest imaginings!

    Claire has masterminded this whole initiative with the support of Sarah Smythe, Kimbo Whyte and Margaret Keam and of course Otumoetai College!

    The generosity of spirit - contributions and comments - have made me realise that my life’s work as a teacher was not in vain! That my students did not just learn about how to phrase and punctuate sentences and write essays about some obscure texts but that they also learnt something of life’s lessons!

    I wish to dedicate this update to

    Claire and to all my past students and what they taught me. And for allowing me to always be myself - eccentric as it may have been at times! And, to all of those others who have been so generous in their giving of both the donations and the sentiments expressed. It is healing in itself!! Believe me! And, deeply humbling!

    Thank you, everyone! Whakawhetai koe, katoa!

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    • 20/12/2018 by Kim

      🧗🏼‍♀️⛰😍🙌🏼

    • 21/12/2018 by jasnoor

      Dear mr Weston,

      I’ve been reading the comments and so many of your students have shared similar experiences about how you believed in them more than anyone else and that got them through tough times whether that be at school or through life in general. I too would like to reiterate how much you impacted my life and truly made me believe that I could achieve anything I set my mind too. There are still so many people who need a MR Weston or Ed to believe in them. You have been in my thoughts and prayers for some time now, I hope you get well soon.

      Jasnoor

  • From Ed 💗

      16 December 2018

    This allows me the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to support me and my family in paying for further treatment! The response has been overwhelming and I am deeply humbled not just by the contributions but the very generous comments! Arohanui Ed, Jo, Alex and Leo

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    • 16/12/2018 by Shirley

      Hi Ed you gave so much, tirelessly in yr teaching years and we all learnt something from you whether it was in the classroom or out. It is now our time to support you. Enjoy the compliments, rest in the knowledge that help is on its way for your meds. Always remember you are one special person 🦋🌹. Shirley

    • 18/12/2018 by Ebony

      Hi Mr Weston, Ebony Hodgson here from many moons ago in journalism. I did see you on the fields at Ferguson Park 5 years ago. But wanted to say again that you saved my life when I was 16, never giving up on me am when my world seemed pointless. So thank you. I'm donating and praying for your healing. I'm also sharing to spread the word!

    • 19/12/2018 by Edgar

      A further huge thanks to Margaret Keam (Good Neighbours - drop off) ; Kimbo Whyte and Sarah Smythe who have all been working behind the scenes supporting Claire and keeping the supply

      lines up and running! Another awesome effort!

      🧗‍♂️🧗‍♂️🧗‍♂️🧗‍♂️🧗‍♂️🏔⛰Mount Improbable!