General News
27 April, 2025
Legacy of a life story
After Wendy Donald's husband David died, she came across old diary entries and letters that they had exchanged while he was in Vietnam.
She then decided to use everything he had kept to create a book about his life.
"He kept everything," Ms Donald said.
The couple met in the main street of Horsham before David and his friend tagged along on a girls' night out at a dance.
The pair were married for 50 years before David's death in 2019 from cancer in the spine and Parkinson's disease.
The book is 351 pages long and includes everything from his childhood and time in the army and in Vietnam, to his working life, family life and more.
Ms Donald had 10 copies printed to share within the family which were gifted as Christmas presents.
From this, the main message she wants to share is that people should write their life stories.
"It makes life worthwhile," she said.
"It doesn't have to be a book; it can even be in point form.
"I have always had an interest in writing and I have tried to encourage people to write their life story.
"Many people believe their life is boring but to write their story is a great legacy for future generations."
