NEIL ROSCHER GAVE UP HIS CAREER IN THE POLICE FORCE TO STAY AT HOME AND RAISE HIS TWO KIDS, WHILE HIS WIFE MADELAIN GREW HER COMPANY, PR WORX, INTO AN AWARD-WINNING MARKETING-COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY. THEY HAVE TWO CHILDREN, SON ASHLEY, 29, AND DAUGHTER SHANNON, 26. NEIL IS NOW HELPING RAISE ASHLEY’S BOYS KAYDEN, 7, AND CHRISTIAN, 5.
I spent 20 wonderful years as a detective in the police force and enjoyed various successes. My partner and I uncovered the Wemmer Pan serial killer and received a presidential commendation for our work. As my wife Madelain was head of SAA’s worldwide communications at the time, and away from the house for up to two weeks in a month, we decided together that I’d give up my career to look after the children. In those days it was totally unheard of. Fortunately, I’ve never been concerned about what people think and as a result didn’t feel any societal pressures regarding our decision.
I left the SAPS in 1999, giving Madelain an opportunity to focus on her career. Ashley was 11 and Shannon was 8. Needless to say this was quite an adjustment for me as well as my family. It was a brand new life for me and I had a new role in the family. Our live-in domestic worker at the time was wonderful and she helped with the housework, while I cooked and helped the kids with their homework. In addition to looking after the kids, I had free time during the day, which allowed me to focus on my health. At one stage I cycled hundreds of races, some of them with Ashley, but he wasn’t really into it. I think the adjustment was harder for Madelain though, because she missed out on spending time with the kids as she travelled so much for work.
This story is from the June 2018 edition of Your Family.
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This story is from the June 2018 edition of Your Family.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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