Lomu was a family man Wife says (Post Courier 13/12/16)

Nadene Lomu the widow of Jonah Lomu talking during the presentation of the
Cup winner in the inagural Jonah Lomu 7s tournament in Port Moresby PNG.

By FIDELIS SUKINA

Nadene Lomu the widow of former New Zealand All Blacks great Jonah Lomu has shared the legends love of his family.

She made a speech at the launching of her late husband’s legacy cup In Port Moresby, a teary moment for some that did not know what Jonah Lomu went through apart from his star studded rugby union career.

She said Jonah was someone who had played rugby union with great passion and adversity but had to end it all due to his kidney disease.

“Channeling his frustration and anger into success was something Jonah did so well he used adversity to motivate him to fuel his success on the field.

“While he endured immense health issues and challenges in early in his life this ended his rugby career early and really compromised his life style,” Nadene said

She mentioned that Jonah Lomu always wanted a family but was told by doctors that he could not have children with his kidney disease but he did have children with his wife Nadene and valued them more than anything in this world.

“His family was his priority Jonah was told he would never have children but he beat all odds not with one but with two little boys and with me having only one ovary they were our miracle boys,”

She added that she and Jonah always worked together and whenever they asked him what his greatest achievement was he would always say it was his family.

“Jonah and I worked as a team in everything we did we were never apart and he was always protective to me and the boys.

“Every time he was asked what his greatest achievement was he would say it was our family he was so proud of us to be told he would never have children to not know what it was like to be part of a family he did and he achieved all he could dream for

She added he was always helping others when he had the chance and would always put his priority to his family.

“He was always helping others and would never seek help for himself; he was always generous in life Jonah gave away cars houses if he had it he gave it and that was Jonah he gave it away like it was a piece of candy he never faulted in giving up himself despite being so sick,” Nadene said