(CMR) Beloved retired school teacher, Derek Tyler, is in need of financial assistance after a head-on collision last year August left him seriously injured needing extensive treatments and unable to work.
Many local residents will know him affectionately as Mr. Tyler, a Biology and science teacher for almost 40-years at the Cayman Islands High School. He also taught at the Cayman Islands Prep and High School. After retiring in 2015 he continued tutoring privately until the day of the accident when another vehicle veered into him on Shamrock Rock. Since then he has been on a long road to recovery.
Mr. Tyler has a reputation for being very kindhearted and dedicated himself to children of the Cayman islands during those years of teaching. He is beloved by many who remember his gentle spirit even whilst instructing them in challenging topics. His family explains:
“Mr. T is an iconic man in Cayman has spent his life teaching others and putting the children of the Cayman Islands before himself, he wasn't rich in $ but is rich in soul and love for his fellow people. If you can think of him at this time and put a little towards him, and if you know him personally a note to say hi to him we, his family, would truly appreciate it.”
The police driver in that incident has finally been charged with dangerous driving but any hope of a quicker resolution from that driver to assist with medical and living expenses may not be forthcoming any time soon.
Hi son, Paul Tyler, explained that his injuries were so severe that he was traveling “home to bury him but he is a fighter and at age 79 has fought to return to some sort of normal”. A GoFundme page has now been set up by Paul and is already trending quite well, already receiving almost $10,000 in pledges in just four hours. However, after having to access his savings with no income coming in he is in need of much more than that. The fund's goal is $25,000.
Mr. Tyler has had to make renovations to his home to accommodate his new wheelchair. His two children, Paul and Cathryn are assisting where they can but the associated costs are still burdening the family. People are asked to contribute and give what they can or to even just leave a kind word for Mr. Tyler.
Mr. Tyler lost his beloved wife of 49-years, Mrs. Anne, some six years ago in November 2014 and continues to reside in Newlands.
The GoFundMe page indicates that any unused funds will be donated to the Hope For Youth charity that helps homeless teens in Minnesota and the Feed Our Future organization in Cayman.
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