Ohakune grants dying man's wish

Ruapehu Bulletin, 13 August 1991, Page 3

Ohakune grants dying man's wish

A dying man's wish has been granted thanks to the generosity of a number of Ohakune business people. Waipawa Leukemia victim Peter von Hartitszch, who has been told he can expect to live just 11 months more, wanted to take his family on a ski holiday to Ruapehu. He advertised for someone to lend him $8000 in exchange for a $10,000 life insurance

policy so he could take the holiday, fix the roof, and spend a little on enjoying his last months. Ohakune Hotel owner Rick Lowe read about Mr von Hartitszch iri a Wellington newspaper and he and his staff decided they could help. They offered him and his family free accommodation, meals and drinks for three days. They went around town

and gathered up more generous offers from other business people. "It's snowballed since we first thought about it," said Mr Lowe. Wan-

ganui Motors' Scott Base is providing transport for the family, Turoa Ski Resort is providing ski hire and ski passes, and Junction Ski Shop has

donated warm winter clothing. There have also been generous cash donations totalling $1000. Ruapehu Lions Club will also be involved in helping the family enjoy their holiday. The family is to arrive in Ohakune for their Ru-' apehu holiday on Sunday 18 August. Mr von Hartitszch's plea for a loan has also been taken up by another Rick Lowe, of Wellington. He said he and his wife Annette, their son Elliot and foster daughter Lee Anne would all benefit from Ohakune's generosity. Mr von Hartitszch has lymphocytic leukemia, which was diagnosed seven years ago. He now has to visit hospital for treatment every 14 days. But he says there is little likelihood of a miracie cure which would save him now.