In a journalistic career which started four decades ago on January 5, I’ve met many colleagues who regarded our craft as a calling. My late friend, investigative ace Barry Sergeant, was one. So was Geraldine Bennett, who for me was the closest local equivalent of famous American activist Erin Brockovich, immortalised in the movie starring Julia Roberts.
Was, because on Tuesday, Geraldine passed away after a long battle with cancer. She died on her own terms, in her own bed on her farm in the Groot Marico, surrounded by friends. Two years ago she’d become seriously ill with a rare type of cancer. Her response to my mail of encouragement was typical: no pity party, instead she expressed concern for our ex-colleague Sergeant, who was also fighting cancer.
She was one of my favourite people, not least because of her unusual journey. Fame came early as a glamorous TV anchor, but she soon outgrew that world, transforming into a genuine earth mother long before it was fashionable. She was most passionate exposing environmental abuse by corporates. Like when her reports closed down polluting Anglo Platinum smelters in Rustenburg, removing the primary source of the region’s illness.
Geraldine once confided that her decision to relocate to the remote Marico as she feared for her life because of what she’d been exposed to during a spell with the World Nuclear Association in London. I’ve thought very differently about the nuclear power industry ever since. And always will. Hamble Kahle to our very own Erin. Her life proved JFK’s famous quote that “one person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” As she truly did.
Comment from Rob Opie:
Hi Alec
Special words for your friends today…….
My greatest wish is that more people would gain greater ‘Insights and Knowledge’ on how to avoid/prevent/ conquer cancer – as the medical fraternity is certainly not sharing – as they are making a small fortune from marketing and selling high margin symptomatic drug treatments……
In your journalistic industry it must certainly be challenging to maintain emotional balance , when you are often ‘fighting‘ someone, something or some cause.
This can lead to emotional imbalance , and when emotional imbalance is held long term, it can certainly turn toxic in the human body.
As Anthony Robbins puts it like this
“Human emotion is the ultimate resource – the ultimate force.”
The potent toxic emotion ( imbalance ) I’m referring to is RESENTMENT – the fuel of all cancers .
It being the ONE & ONLY common denominator with all cancer sufferers. You will never find a cancer patient who does not harbour long term resentment.
Sadly Geraldine would have been unwittingly and habitually holding onto some form of long term resentment – which is the FUEL of cancer : “ Fighting a cause which triggered her resentments”
Geraldine took geographical action by going to live in a clean air space – BUT removing physical and chemical toxins from one’s life , will prove meaningless unless one removes the toxic emotional fuel: RESENTMENT.
I do hope this helps and can be shared wider to save lives.
The biggest difference anyone can make on this planet is to help people who are facing up to cancer………….
“Resentment is a messy and confusing emotion to handle. It’s bitter indignation. It’s insidious. It festers. It’s toxic. It’s a belief that one has been treated unfairly and it can go on for years and years. It drives internal repressed anger, pain, and human frailty”.
More at my non profit cancer resource site at www.cancerchampions.co
Go well
Rob.
Comment from Clive:
Hi Alec,
I was very sorry to read about Geraldine’s death by the way. I knew her as well but had lost touch with her in recent years. She was best friends with my late partner, who sadly also succumbed to a devastating case of cancer several years ago. A more forthright and decent person would be hard to find. She was larger than life and always headstrong and determined to do what she thought was right. I will remember her well.
Have a great weekend!
Kind regards
Clive.
Comment from Cathy:
Just to say thank you for your tribute today to Geraldine, it meant so much. I was blessed to have spent a few special hours with her last week – what a brilliant, powerful, vulnerable, cranky and delightful woman she was. No shrinking violet to be sure.
My neighbour in the Marico we met (synchronicity) when she interviewed me over 25 years ago and we became sort of soul sisters – someone whose life perspective, acerbic humour and I will miss so much.
So wonderful that you raised her up as you did. She I am sure is delighted – even if she wouldn’t admit it.
