MORLEY Salvation Army stalwart Major Geoff Freind, who has dedicated his life to helping others, is in a critical condition after he was assaulted in Malawi on the weekend.
The Salvation Army officer of 34 years was visiting the African nation as part of his itinerant speaking ministry, which he commenced in January this year.
He was transferred to a Johannesburg hospital for intensive support, where he is fighting for his life.
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READ NOWIt is understood Mr Friend’s immediate family arrived by his side yesterday.
A statement released by the Salvation Army described Mr Freind as energetic and warm by nature and who dedicated his life to his ministry of faith and service, which affected many people.
His family also made a statement, saying they appreciated the concern for their family.
“We value the support extended towards our family during this difficult time,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our beloved father, husband and friend.”
Mr Freind is an author of three books, Enjoy The Journey, A Great Journey and Thank You For The Journey, and donated $60,000 from their sales to the Chikankata Mission, which comprises a hospital and school.
The money paid for plumbing to the hospital’s theatre, an ambulance, electricity to the mortuary and airconditioning to the hospital’s pharmacy.
He later went with a team of 17 people and spent 16 days tiling, replacing toilets, digging ditches and painting walls.
In 2012, Mr Freind had a hand in sending a sea container full of medical supplies, bedding, clothing and blankets to the Howard Hospital in Zimbabwe and money to buy 100 mattresses.