Angel Gabrielle ' I WAS THERE FOR MY DYING HERO'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|May 23, 2022
When her beloved neighbour Bob was told he was terminal, this amazing young woman dedicated herself to his last year of care
Karyn Henger
Angel Gabrielle ' I WAS THERE FOR MY DYING HERO'

"I'd do it 100 times over," says Gabrielle, who now wants to be a nurse.

Life for most 21-year-olds is a whirlwind of parties and new adventures. But Gabrielle Martin is not your average 21-year-old. She has just taken a year out of her life to care for her 68-year-old best mate Bob (or Bobba as she called him), who was dying.

Gabrielle grew up next door to Bob on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast and over the years, the pair formed a tight bond.

“Whenever Mum couldn't find me, she knew I'd be at Bobba's,” Gabrielle laughs. "One of my earliest memories is of standing on his feet to mow his lawns with him when I was four. He taught me to fish, how to change a tyre, ride a bike and drive. He was my person.”

Four years ago, Bob, who lived alone, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and Gabrielle was devastated. “About three years into his cancer journey, I came home from travelling Europe. I'd been away a couple of years, working as a barista and a surfing teacher, and originally intended just to stay three months. But every time I visited him, I noticed small declines becoming bigger. I just couldn't go back.

"I didn't really have work to go back to, so I made this decision to move in with him and look after him 24/7. Bobba was a proud man and he wanted to die at home. He had always given me so much, so this was the least I could do for him."

Not all of Gabrielle's friends understood her decision, but those who "knew and loved Bobba did - and my family was very proud”.

With the blessing of Bob's family, who spent as much time as they could with Bob but were unable to care for him full-time, Gabrielle set about preparing herself for the journey, starting by bulking up at the gym.

Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin May 23, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin May 23, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLY DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро

It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural

time-read
4 dak  |
November 11, 2024
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART

The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner

time-read
3 dak  |
November 11, 2024
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB

The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills

time-read
3 dak  |
November 11, 2024
Doing it for the mums! LUCY & BROOKE'S SECRET STRENGTH
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Doing it for the mums! LUCY & BROOKE'S SECRET STRENGTH

Our Olympic golden girls reveal how their friendship is even stronger as they take a year offrowing

time-read
7 dak  |
November 11, 2024
ANDREW'S HOUSING CRISIS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

ANDREW'S HOUSING CRISIS

The prince is standing on shaky ground after the King cuts his cash

time-read
3 dak  |
November 11, 2024
Kate's discovery INSIDE HER YEAR OF CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kate's discovery INSIDE HER YEAR OF CHANGE

The princess dealt with curiosity, confusion, conspiracies and cancer, but never lost her spirit

time-read
3 dak  |
November 11, 2024
Star's cancer battle
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Star's cancer battle

James Van Der Beek has shocked fans with news he has colon cancer.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
POSH'S MINI-ME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

POSH'S MINI-ME

Her future is all mapped out

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Paula's emotional journey 'EVERY MOMENT MATTERS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Paula's emotional journey 'EVERY MOMENT MATTERS

The former deputy prime minister reveals the wake-up call that has changed everything

time-read
6 dak  |
November 11, 2024
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 dak  |
September 16, 2024