Dwayne's Story

Dwayne had a brilliant sense of humour, but he was also very sensitive. My passion is feeding the homeless and Dwayne was my right-hand man. He’d set up the kitchen, make the sandwiches, help do the soups, and pack the stuff in the car.

I had 20 wonderful years with him, and really good memories. But I didn't realise the impact he had until he passed away.

People were flooding into the house, elderly women were telling stories of Dwayne counselling their grandchildren and helping with their shopping. This boy! He was just gifted. That's why the loss is so great.

I'd just come back from a busy day when the door rang. It was one of Dwayne’s friends. He said, “Dwayne’s been stabbed, come quick!” I just started running but I couldn't run fast enough. I was helpless and weak. My feet were like lead and I was shaking. When I got there I said, “I'm his Mom” and I pushed through. What I saw was horrific. Every time I speak about it, I need therapy afterwards. His clothes were ripped, and Dwayne was lying in his own blood. Just so much blood. That’s my child and there's nothing I could do to help him.

It was like I was in another world. I felt lost. I had to call my Mum. It was the hardest call - I was out of breath and my stomach was tight. Even when I was making a call my hands were shaking. I tried it three times, I was just so helpless and weak. I never felt so helpless before in my life and Dwayne was just there. I said, “Mom, Dwayne’s been stabbed.” And she screamed. She said, “Oh no...” The way she cried, it's like spiritually, she knew it was really serious. But she didn't see what I saw. I had just seen him. I saw his chest opened up and I've never even seen an open wound like that. I knew he wasn’t going to make it.

When they lifted him up, his hand fell and it was just hanging, lifeless. When I saw that I knew he was gone. I went in the police car to the hospital. It was a nightmare. You could see the dried blood around his neck. I kissed his forehead and the top of his cheek. I was kissing his feet, saying, “You're not alone, I’m here with you. Do you know I love you?” I could smell his blood on my hair. I was kissing him so much the nurse was looking at me like I’m mad. Whether he's got blood on him or not, this is my son.

Later, a young lad came forward and said that a guy had been going to attack him and Dwayne came to help. He stood in the middle. This young lad saw the guy take out a sword and stab him, and it went right through his heart. The lad was so grateful that Dwayne had come to help.

I wouldn't expect anything different from him.