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 In the early hours of Monday June 1, following a fall at his home in the boys' village, Prema Vihar, SKCV founder Matthew 'Manihara' Norton died suddenly and unexpectedly in hospital in Vijayawada. We would love to hear your thoughts and memories of Manihara - please enter them below. Please feel free to come back and add extra thoughts as frequently as they occur to you. In time, your messages will form part of a publication about Manihara's life and work. Messages I went to School with Matt for 4 years in the sixties and we were good friends, traveling backwards and forwards from Sale, first the train and then the bus. Year in year out.
-- Don Macdonald, don@pro-x.no I was saddend to hear of the the passing of Manihara Norton.The work he
-- Nick Anderson, Staffordshire vGBcv5 <a href="http://maimwaytgpij.com/">maimwaytgpij</a>, [url=http://vzknxbmmuskh.com/]vzknxbmmuskh[/url], [link=http://xpywtjbrssrq.com/]xpywtjbrssrq[/link], http://uglcxmlcdbun.com/ -- lwsjlotc, PVNypvFPgRgFeGlju Great memories of Matthew's talks on his work in India. Having initiated support for SKCV from Holy Angels Third World Group years ago during my ten years as chairman, I am delighted to know that the Group's support continues still; and will go on in memory of Matthew and his great work. -- Peter Whelan, Holy Angels Church, Hale Barns Selfless Service with a Vision, Hard work, Dedication, Honesty - all can be seen in one person Mr. Manihara. I got opportunity to see all this when I was working as an In-charge of street girls centre for three years. He gave me opportunity to start the Street Girls Centre and it was in these three years, I learnt the foundation and even today it drives the inspiration from him.
Ruby(as he calls me), Vijaywada. -- Ruby or Rubinder Kaur Maini, Vijayawada I met Matthew only once many years ago when I was a child. He was speaking to me and a group of my friends about SKCV and the work it did. What I remember so vividly was his enthusiasm and passion for his work, improving the lives of street children, and his heartwarming belief that we as children could make a difference.
-- Sandhya Murthy, London I first heard Matthew speak, many years ago on the BBC.I can still recall how moved and impressed I was whilst listening to him. I became a regular,if small contributor to SKCv and received the news mag giving the highs and lows of the foundation. But the great love,determination and courage of Matthew, that inspired all he came in contact with, shone through the pages. Condolences to all his family,especially his mother Trisha who worked so hard promoting Skcv in the U. k -- joan bailey, london w6 I only spent 6 weeks in Vijawada,in 2003, but I will always remember Matthew as an inspiration to what can be achieved by 1 person. The fun that we had with the boys at the village reflects what a great project Matthew had set up, and I am certain his inspiration will ensure this project continues to help many more children in India. -- Matthew Sutcliffe, Hitchin, herts, uk Matthew was an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with him, a tremendous man with drive, vision and determination. He taught us all that we can achieve our dreams. We will never forget him. God bless and good night, Matthew. -- Claire Wakelin, Staffordshire a day in a week may always change, a month in a year may always change, BUT........... Pitaji and Mataji, in the hearts of many loving and caring children always remain as they are..... -- vijaykrishna, hyderabad all glories to srila prabhupada, all glories to H.G.Manihara Das all glories to H.G. Bhaktinidhi devi dasi all glories and all the blessings of Sri Sri radhammadanmohan, gauiranitai, Jagannath,baladev, subhadra, srila prabhupada and narsinga dev to all the skcv boys, girls,staff etc -- vijaykrishna, hyderabad Last night I opened an email inviting me to Matthew's memorial & I sat speechless for what seemed like an eternity. In January 2006, I spent a little over a week with the SKCV charity in Vijayawada and was completely knocked out by Matthew, the future group and all the boys & girls. On first meeting Matthew, instantly I knew I was in the presence of a truly remarkable human being, a man of greatness and with a huge capacity for love. To have created such a safe haven for all of these wonderful children. To have built such a community where everyone can show their true gift in life. To have provided a space for love to flourish. This is the legacy of a truly magnificent man, and I am blessed to have met, shared time with and have memories that will be in my heart for ever. My love to all of his wonderful family & friends who extended their love and friendship to me...I hope to see you in August to celebrate the passing of this inspirational husband, son and father to so many.
-- Kevin Watson, Oxfordshire Meeting Matthew and all at SKCV was a life changing experience. I intended to film once but ended up visiting three times. Matthew made me laugh and was a huge inspiration. The joy that is tangible at the villages is infectious. I feel privileged to have met Matthew and shared such special times with him. -- Caroline Brett, Shake The Tree Productions When we met again in Mumbai in 2001, Matthew and I hadn't seen each other since the early 1970s, yet it felt as if the intervening thirty years were just so many days. As he told me the story of his life and his work in India, I knew I was in the company of a remarkable person. To have helped so many people is an achievement beyond all others. The world is a better place for his having passed through. Bless you, Matthew. -- Michael, Friend from school days, Suffolk I am very sad that such a great man with such a beatiful heart had to leave us -- Fredrik Lucchesi Manihara is ine of the most memorable people I've ever met. His work and engagement for the street kids is priceless and have to continue. My meeting with Manihara inspired me to do a found raise in Sweden in cooperation with my Rotary Club district 2330. Later my son Fredrik brought the money with him to Vijayawada and SKCV along with his monthly stay at the village. Fredrik also payed another visit to the village during his asian trip in the spring of 2008. Manihara will always live in our hearts. Our sincearest regards to his wife Bakthi/ Camilla and Fredrik Lucchesi Sweden. -- Camilla Lucchesi, Sweden RC Bollnäs Björkhamre What a man, what a life! It's taken some time to sink in but he has left the world, and a beautiful corner of Andhra Pradesh, a far better place. I had a wonderful week in Viyaywada with my Dad in January 08. A very moving and inspiring time seeing one man's life's work coming to fruition. It was a true priveledge to be at the opening of the girls village - followed by a night of dancing and fireworks I'll never forget. I remember my fathers pride in Matthew for "pulling it off again". The Manchester lad done good. I'd like to send my love to Bhakti, KP and all the kids in the boys and girls villages and finally to all of his UK family and friends. There is a light that never goes out. Johnny and the Kelsey family -- Johnny Kelsey, Family friend, Manchester Death, in all its glory, relieved Pitaji of his pain and agony, paving a new path in which all his young trees will come together to give shade and protection to many small saplings.
-- KP, SKCV,India He had a dream and he made it come true, he showed us the way and we followed it through. He sacrificed his life and made our dreams come true. -- Kids at SKCV, Vijayawada My first memory of Matthew is as a three year old boy with brown curly hair and a mischievous twinkle in his eye who, with his parents, became my next door neighbour. My last memory of Matthew is as a large man with a beard and an enormous hug. Forty four years had passed since our last meeting but he greeted me as if I was still sixteen!
-- Mary Helyar, West Sussex We visited Matthew and Bhakti in february together with Teun de Bok. The way he told us about his life and SKCV was very inspiring for everyone of us. He made clear that nothing is impossible if you believe in your goal. We hope that Bhakti, his relatives, friends and all at SKCV might find the strength to cope with this great loss. -- Linda and René Bertrams, Eindhoven, Holland Dear Bhakti, Just a few month ago we we had the enourmous pleasure of a conversation with you over tea at your home. It was a special day for us. A few days later we had a short meeting with Matthew. Please accept our condolances to you and to all the staff and children of SKCV. -- hennie van der reep & anton van waarden, oosterbeek, the netherlands To Bhakti and all the Family and the Extended Family of SKCV we convey our deepest Sympathy on the sudden Death of Mathew.We have many happy memories of Mathew and it was a great pleasure to have shared with him his "dreams" in the early years of the founding of SKCV.We will never forget the wonderful welcome we received on visiting Vijayawada and it was a great pleasure to be of some help and encouragement in the early days.It was a grat honour for me, on behalf of the Rotary club of Newport Uskmouth to present Mathew with his Paul Harris award an honour richly deserved, to such a devoted and dedicated man.
-- Eric Hewinson, Rotary club of Newport Uskmouth South Wales UK Dear Matthew,
-- marianne en ruud, eindhoven, holland last february we met you all together with teun de bok. we had a wonderfull time and it was so nice to meet you all and hear all the stories Manihara told us about his life and his warmth to all the children. it must be very hard to cope with his loss, such a wonderfull person with such a big heart! and what about all these children he saved, how can they live on without him. and i will give my warm feelings to Bhakti, the beautiful and most hearty person i have ever met. may all the lovely persons in your neighbourhood give all the strength you need. my heart is with you, love liesbeth -- liesbeth de korte, friend of teun de bok Having known Matthew and his family for many years, it was no surprise to find him taking over the concert my wife organised in support of SKCV last year; he captivated a new audience with his sense of purpose and vision, fielding questions (most sensible though some verging on the ridiculous) with his customary directness. It was a privilege to have known him and to have been associated in however minor a way with his life's work and I pray that this will continue as successfully under the guidance of the present staff, themselves the fruits of his past labour. May he rest in peace. -- Alan Ridgway, Sale England This man made the difference for a lot of people. It felt like a privilege to meet Matthew.
-- kai hameleers, breda, holland well seemsmanihara made many new freinds..............itis sad that no one from maniharas pre vijaywada life have come forward.......this is partly due also to maniharas mistrust of his previjawada freinds................even i felt uncomfortable when i went tovisit him years ago..and he refused too speak whenever i tried tocall him.....anyway manihara we had good times in pune...with you bhakti and i....i will always remember your kindness to us all then...........we hope your new birth will give you better chances -- alexander Just a view month ago we visited SKCV with a group of Dutch travelers. Manihar was impressive as ever and so was his work for all of us. He looked tired, was in pain but was telling about SKCV and the boys enthusiastic and inspiring. He was so proud of all of you.
-- leanne en teun, DAARI, the Netherlands May I offer my condolences.
-- Lia, Eindhoven Matthew was, and remains, a tremendous inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. I have many fond memories of my visits to SKCV and of being welcomed into the happiest extended family on earth. His legacy will last forever in the hearts and lives of all those touched by his vision and generosity. -- Mark Helyar, friend & author of Rising from the Dust - India's Hidden Voices, UK Matthew was a bear of a man with a huge personality and an equally huge voice whose vision and commitment have given worthwhile lives to so many of the street kids of India. I will always picture him surrounded by boys laughing and giggling as he declaimed loudly on some topic of temporary irritation. Each visit to the villages has felt like a home-coming. The atmosphere of a loving family pervades every moment spent there. My thoughts are with all the boys and girls who have lost their "pataji" and with Bhakti and all his family. A great man indeed. What a privilege to be associated with his wonderful achievements and legacy which will carry on through those whose lives he rescued.R.I.P -- Kathleen Forde-Johnston, Sale England Although I did not have an opportunity to meet Matthew, his brother, my dear friend Gerard Norton expressed his great admiration for him and the tireless good work has done in India. Gerard loved his brother dearly. My deepest sympanthy to the family in England and extended family in India. Cinde Stevens -- Cinde Stevens, Vancouver, BC Canada Dear Manihar,
We wish Mataji and everyone else at SKCV lots of strength and all the best.. take care! -- Marie and Robert-Jan, SKCV - Holland & DAARI It is sad.
-- Pramod, SATHI, Banagalore Manihara was an inspiration and a great guide to beginning our work with the street children of India. We feel privileged to have met and to have worked with Manihara. He leaves behind an amazing legacy, which many great people will be continuing thanks to all the effort and care he has put into so many people's lives. Our thoughts are with his close and extended family in the UK and Vijayawada. -- Jonny Forbes, PWB, London UK Manihara devoted his life to help others and through this he gained our respect for his achievements, and affection through his outstanding personality. On his trips to the UK he was always a very welcome visitor to the Rotary Club of Tamworth Anker and to our home. It was a privilege to know him and to have been to Vijayawada to witness at first hand the wonderful fruits of his devotion. -- Ray & Eve Jones, The Rotary Club of Tamworth Anker, UK Nanban's deepest condolences to all at SKCV. May Mr. Manihara's soul rest in ever lasting Peace - Amen. -- Bro.James, Nanban (centre for street and working children, Madurai, Tamilnadu You will be terribly missed by so many people.
Sweetdreams
-- Emma, Matthew's neice, Chorley How do you find the words to describe the loss of such a loving individual, to whom everyone looked up to for all the fabulous work he did, for all the needy children in his care. As a brother, his humour and caring nature were the most endearing part of him which you just couldn't avoid getting engulfed by. His smile just beamed happiness which made you feel 'at one with the world'.I was extremely proud to have him as a brother and enjoyed all those special moments we shared. He will be greatly and very sadly missed but the memories are immense.Sleep tight Matthew. You will be in our hearts for always.Big hugs from your 'loolibird' -- LUCY - Matthew's Sister To know Matthew was an honour, to have him as an uncle was a privilege and to lose him is a tragedy that shows the injustice of the world. He did so much amazing work for so many people and truly changed many people's lives forever. I am utterly grateful to have had him as a member of my family and the joy and presence he brought will always be remembered, as will his smile, his humour and (a lot of the time) his horrible habits like belching rather loudly :) Despite that though, he was a warm, massive character who always put other people before himself and never liked to complain. I truly admire Matthew for who he is and what he has done, especially considering the difficult times he has been through himself. He showed courage, positivity and love to everybody in a remarkable way. I find it difficult to even begin to express the admiration and honour that I feel when thinking about my uncle and words cannot describe that, or how i feel to have lost him but i know one thing for sure; Matthew Norton, carer, giver, listener and companion, (but a few words to describe him) did wonders for the world and it will be a sorrier place not having him in it. With love as always Matthew, I'll miss you terribly and I hope this has done you even some of the justice that you so much deserve. I'll shush a bit now :)
-- Kate Sinar, Matthew's Niece, Manchester I have always been immensely proud of all my brother has achieved. I admired his courage, devotion and tireless dedication to a cause that gave peace, strength and a bright future to so many young people who would otherwise have very little. He was a humble, kind and generous man, and so wise. I still had many things I wanted to ask him.....but now is his time. I wish him peace - and happiness in the knowledge that his 'extended family' will continue the work he so boldly began.
-- Hilly, Sister to Matthew At this moment, when I look in the candlelight, Matthew and his wife Bhakti are everywhere in our home here in Holland. I see the pictures made in 1996 of Matthew, while he is hugging a child. I look to my home video, where I see a strong and very warm man, leading the meeting of the future group in 2001. I see Matthew,eating my moms vegetarian lasagne in our parents house in the Netherlands, giving compliments to my mother. I see
-- Mieke Greefhorst, SKCV Netherlands HE WAS GREAT AS HUMAN BEING AND AN ORGANISATION HIMSELF.KISSING THE SHADOW OF MOTHER TERESSA HE WAS VERY NEAR TO BRING SMILES ON THE LIPS OF STREET CHILDREN AND ENCOURAGING THOSE WHO ARE WITH THESE CHILDREN.THE EXPERIENCES WITH HIM WORKING AT RAILWAY CHILDREN FEDERATION OF INDIA WILL ALWAYS ENCOURAGE US AND HIS FACILITATION TO SAVE THIS NATIONAL NETWORKING CAN NOT BE IGNORED.
-- MD.SADRE ALAM, SEED,KOLKATA Matthew was such a remarkable man and helped so many people. This such very sad news. He gave love, security and hope to some of the most vulnerable children in the world. Their health, success and prosperity, many as adults with their own families and careers now, and the continued and unique work of SKCV is testimony to his incredible energy and dedication. My thoughts are with his family and friends in India and the UK and with all the boys and girls who he dedicated his life to caring for. If more charities operated like SKCV, the world would be a more hopeful place. If more people were like Manihara, the world would be a better place. -- Kate Gambrell, London, England I'd just like to say, he was one of the most courageous and admirable men I have ever known. No matter how he was feeling, he always managed to let out a smile to the family. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. I hope to one day be as honourable and loving as you. You deserve the rest :) Love always xx -- Seb Kerridge, Nephew of Matthew. I knew of Matthew through my husband
-- Sylvia Lee, Marple, Manchester Very rarely does one meet a true visionary whose impact is immediate on everyone they meet. Matthew was such a person.
-- Bob Cornell, Carus Consultants I can hear you making one of your customary wisecracks, Matthew, but for once I simply don't have the words to express how I feel at your loss. All I can say is that the world is a colder place without you in it. I loved you as a brother and I will miss you more than I can ever say.
-- Lynn May, SKCV trustee and Communications Director, M&M Manihara's death is a great shock and a tragic loss not only for his family in the UK and India but for all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. He will be greatly missed by people around the world whose lives he touched so deeply. His tireless devotion to the plight of destitute street children, girls as well as boys, earned their love and respect and humbled all who knew him. He was an inspirational lion of a man whose fitting legacy is the charity he founded and the thousands of young lives he rescued from unimaginable suffering and for many, otherwise certain death. -- Richard May, Chairman, SKCV UK I had great admiration both for Matthew and his work. His empathy for street children and his ability to gain their trust, which was born out of his own experiences, made his work enormously effective. -- David Maidment, Chairman, Railway Children I have known Matthew since 1988, when I was Mayor of Vijayawada. He dedicated himself to the service of others and was a wonderful role model. He achieved a great deal against great odds and his work was recognised throughout Andhra Pradesh and at national government level. He won laurels for himself and for SKCV because of his selfless dedication to the welfare of others. -- Dr Jandhalya Shankar, Chair of Trustees, SKCV India Matthew was a man with the biggest heart I have ever met. Combined with that, he had the organising and communication ability that was needed to make an enormous success of SKCV. The boys and girls themselves are testimony to his work. That will go on and on. -- Baroness Joan Walmsley, Patron, SKCV UK
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