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“THE MODERN DAY
SAMARTITIAN’’
The Girl who endeavour to Achieve
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Kerry Ann Pettigrew was born in Johannesburg, South Africa to
a single mother; she lived in South Africa for about 13 years
before moving to the United Kingdom with her estranged father.
Kerry has experienced the social care systems in both countries.
Her mother, Desirea Lumsden, and father, Stephen Pettigrew, did
not get married and separated soon after Kerry was born.
Kerry and her mother travelled around South Africa, most of
Kerry’s youth was spent in Port Elizabeth. Where she and her
mother thought it was best to place her in government child care as
her mother’s friend had her daughter there too.
Kerry lived in the convent from the age of nine until twelve with
other children. At the age of twelve years old the children’s home,
Nazareth House, lost its funding and as a last helping hand they
got in contact with the Red Cross, which sponsored Kerry to have
a life changing operation to pin her knees. Kerry suffers from rare
genetic disorder, Hypochondra plasia, which effects the formation
and growth of her bones.
When Kerry was thirteen years old her estranged Father entered
her life and whisked her away to the UK, unfortunately he passed
away when she was fifteen. She met her half sister, once while was giving birth with her then
estranged father in 2000, just before she came to the UK.
None the less over the years, while still being in care, she managed to complete her A levels to get
into University, despite adverse times like being homeless and having both her hips totally replaced.
Kerry has lived in eight cities around the world and is bilingual. She also has a one star level in
canoeing, level two St John Ambulance life savers award and achieved some of the highest GCSE
grades for children in care in Suffolk.
1 Above:Kerry Pettigrew

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As the interview went on Kerry talked
about how she enjoys cooking, mostly
for her friends and is currently
decorating her flat.
Kerry grew up in Apartied, she says she
was happy to see it end, she is a proud
South African. She says that Faith has
played a big part of her life, even
though she is not very religious.
Kerry says that even though she doesn’t
have a strong Family network, she
counts herself very lucky to be able to
choose her friends as family. Kerry has
previously raised about two hundred
pounds for Children in need, in the year
2010.
This interview developed....
What interested you in doing Volunteering or Charity Work?
Well, there was an opportunity to be taken and I felt that it would benefit my aspiring career.
After having to leave UNI, I found I was in despair wondering ifI will ever get to help people or
work in a caring profession or able to give back to the community, so I snapped it up. It also
gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and develop my career foundation and network
with people.
What Do you Aspire to be?
I want to be consultant into PA/HR/ Co coordinator in a Charity org that helps people in need.
I find great satisfaction in seeing the effecta little bit oftime and support can help someone and
if I have time I am happy to give it. I think everyone should be generous with their time. It
doesn’t take much to listen.
What Charity Organization do you want to work in?
Any local Charity I want to work with the people where I can see a difference maybe in the
future I will create a Charity/orphanage in South Africa. This is a dream that hopefully will
become reality as I pick up skills and knowledge along the way. Like in the voluntary position I
hold now.
What Advice would you give to people who want to get into this career?
You don’t have to go to University, always take opportunities that come your way. There are
other routes, but all ofthem take dedication and determination. Team work is an everyday skill,
practice it. Volunteering is a good way to open door to other jobs and gain experience while
going to University or College, and definitely finishes those GCSE’s .
What sort of training do you do, or do you do any training?
1 From the left: Kerry, Stuart her boyfriend of 1.5 years

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A Level and GCSE’S, Equality and Diversity, general training in the work place, it is a hands
on learning experience, but I hope to start training or take night classes in Admin and Events
Planning.
Last but not least, here is what one of Kerry’s closet friends Asteria Malinzi had to say about Kerry.
If you had to summaries Kerry in ten words, or a couple of sentences, what would you say?
Even though I have known Kerry, for about three years, she is a very helpful person, caring,
crazy, white African, Cheerful, funny and strong.
Where do you see Kerry in ten years time?
I see Kerry doing something in Social Work, something to do with helping people, which she is
very passionate about.
What’s the most interesting thing about Kerry that you think, people should know about her?
People should know is her life story.
Some might wonder why Kerry remains so hopeful. While I was talking to her she told me of a
time when she was upset with herselffor not receiving a certificate for Academic Achievement
and how she would always get conscienceless or endeavour. She told me how her mother
comforted her by telling her that it’s not about being perfect because no one is but always
endeavouring to achieve your goals and to be the best you can be. Kerry now uses that motto
and always has endeavoured to achieve.
p.s After recently talking to Kerry I am delighted to say she has been offered a job as an Extra
Scheme Care Worker and has completed her Kitchen.