After 11 incredible years working for the Southern Mail, the time has come for me to say goodbye. It’s not easy to put into words what this journey has meant to me, but I’ll try.
When I first started here, I knew I was stepping into a role that would allow me to connect with people, but I had no idea just how deeply those connections would shape me.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing your stories — your joys, your successes, your struggles and your grief. You opened your hearts and entrusted me to tell the news that matters, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Community journalism is more than just reporting on events or writing articles. It’s about being a witness to the heartbeat of communities — the milestones, the challenges, the celebrations, and the quiet moments that define who we are. It’s about showing up, listening, caring and it’s about building relationships that go beyond the byline.
I’ve laughed with you at events, cried with you at memorials, been at the forefront of protests and was tear-gassed with you. I’ve sat in your living rooms, stood in your gardens, and walked your streets to capture the essence of what makes your community so special. Every story I’ve written has been a piece of a larger tapestry — a tapestry woven with the threads of your lives.
This job has been an honour but it hasn’t always been easy. There were days when the weight of your struggles felt heavy and moments when I wondered if I was doing justice to your stories. But through it all, your resilience, kindness and sense of community inspired me to keep going. You reminded me why this work matters.
As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I carry with me the lessons you’ve taught me: the importance of empathy, the power of connection, and the value of listening.
The Southern Mail community will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the memories. To my colleagues, thank you for your support, collaboration, and friendship.
To the readers, thank you for trusting me with your stories. And to the community as a whole, thank you for letting me be a small part of your lives.
This isn’t goodbye forever — it’s just goodbye for now. I’ll still be around, cheering you on from the sidelines and reading every issue of this wonderful newspaper. Keep sharing your stories because they are the lifeblood of your communities.
With gratitude and love.
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