When Custodio Victorino made a desperate plea for help, it was perhaps surprising a response came in the shape of a biographer.
And probably more important: someone to listen to his life story of equal parts tragedy and courage.
That person was retired Nelson dentist Ross Ferguson. Custodio was at a desperate low, after folding his business and his wife had been diagnosed with cancer and was having treatment.
He found himself walking the streets of Nelson where he found a phone number on the door of a local church - and left a message asking for help.
Ross was the person on the end of that number and over coffee the two met and he was able to hear Custodio's story.
But his troubles in Nelson were only the start for Custodio.
Born in Angola - a country known for its decades-long civil war between communist and anti-communist forces - Custodio had to escape a military camp to avoid becoming a part of that war and walk hundreds of kilometres to get to Namibia where he was one of the first members of a massive refugee camp.
He then made his way to South Africa as that country broke the shackles of apartheid.
Custodio says he wants to tell his story not for others to feel sorry for him, but to offer hope and encouragement when times are tough.
To purchase a copy of the book - contact Ross at ryferg70@gmail.com
