A heartwarming love story set against the backdrop of adversity. A man from Mossel Bay was caught on camera playing his accordion outside a local hospital’s Covid ward, where his wife Miranda is a patient.
Mossel Bay, South Africa (27 July 2021) – During the Covid-19 crisis, a heartwarming gesture of hope has gone viral, reaching people throughout the world.
Lukas du Preez, from Mossel Bay in the Southern Cape, was caught on camera playing his accordion outside a local hospital’s Covid ward, where his wife Miranda (66) is a patient.
Du Preez (64) and his wife, who has been in the hospital for nearly two weeks, have been married for 40 years. Unable to see her since she was admitted and longing for contact, he wanted to let her know how much he loves and cares for her. Du Preez was inspired by their shared love of music for the early morning serenade. He knew if she could hear him play, it would brighten her spirits and let her know he’s thinking of her.
Charlotte Bernard, an employee at Life Bay View Private Hospital, recorded the sunrise serenade.
“He played it for his wife because she loves his music so much. He asked that a window be opened for her to hear him play, letting her know he was there.”
Barnard continued, “Most of the other patients also heard him play. I hope he comes again. We need it since we are on our knees and feeling low.”
Lurinda Fourie, Du Preez’s daughter, told the media, her father is surprised by the reaction.
Adding, “He certainly didn’t do it to be seen, but only out of love and support for my mother.”
The video of the poignant performance has been seen over 200,000 times and shared countless times since it was posted. One man’s musical homage and expression of love and support have struck a chord with the rest of the world during Covid-19.
Watch the video below. The team from the Mossel Bay Advertiser got the chance to watch him play and chat about his wife.