Page 4 - LOTN Issue 45

DIOCESE

St. Thomas', Keith

bids fond farewell to

Krystyna and Marek

he Parish of St. Thomas', Keith wished Krystyna and
Marek Gorowski a fond farewell as they return to
T Poland after being an active part of the parish for
over 12 years.
Fr. Peter Ezekoka and Mr. Ged Farrell (Chair PPC) wished
them a safe journey and a long and happy retirement,
presenting them with flowers and a drop of Scotch on behalf Fr Peter Ezekoka gives Krystyna and Marek the
of the parish.
thumbs-up!

Dilip's life changing Scottish experience

Sri Lankan fisherman has tied the knot back in his
homeland – but maintains he’ll never forget his
A Aberdeen experience.
Dilip Fernando married long-time sweetheart Imasha
in Sri Lanka recently as the couple celebrated following a
roller-coaster past three years.
Back in 2017, the young fisherman was only three
months into his contract when he suffered an horrendous
life-changing accident.
Dilip had been working on a freezing cold night in the
north-east of Scotland when suddenly he lost his fingers
and thumb of his left hand.
The fisherman, who later required to be fitted with a
prosthetic hand, was supported throughout his ordeal
by Deacon Doug Duncan, North/East Port Chaplain for
seafaring charity Stella Maris.
Deacon Doug was unable to attend the wedding but
Dilip hopes to one day return to Scotland.
He said: “It’s been a whirlwind few years. We could not Dilip and Imasha's wedding day in Sri Lanka
have got to where we are today without the help of Stella
Maris, especially Doug. My wife, Imasha, and I will forever to Imasha - after being across there only last year.
be grateful to the charity for what they did for me after Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend for obvious reasons but
my accident. They were like a family to me. Nothing was was thrilled to be able to communicate regularly with Dilip
ever too much trouble for Doug and Ruth Watt, one of the and to receive a photographic record of the wedding day
volunteers. It would have been wonderful for Doug to join celebrations. It’s wonderful for both Dilip and Imasha. They
us on our big day but we understand that was not possible are a lovely couple and hopefully they can spend some
given the situation with the Covid pandemic. In the future, time back here in Scotland in the future. Dilip has said he
though, I would love to take Imasha with me back to would love to show Imasha the country that changed his
Scotland to see such a wonderful country.” life, so here’s hoping!”
Deacon Doug had initially travelled to Sri Lanka in 2019 Following his release from hospital, Deacon Doug tended
to meet Dilip at the Bandaranaike International Airport for to him as Dilip spent a further 18 months recuperating while
what proved to be an emotional reunion. receiving therapy on visits to the hospital in Aberdeen.
The deacon commented, “I was overjoyed during The newly-weds are now living happily in their native Sri
lockdown to receive an invitation to Dilip’s wedding Lanka. They have known each other for years having both
been catechetical teachers in their local church.

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