Charitable couple build foundation for love

ONE Dublin couple have taken the mantra of the Niall Mellon blitz to heart. In 2004, Gareth Lloyd, 28, and Catherine Williams, 32, arrived in South Africa as volunteers to do what the challenge promises — Build More than Houses.

They were part of a team that built 50 houses but they also met for the first time and laid the foundations for a marriage and what will next month become a family.

“She was my team leader in 2004, so it was a bit daunting asking her out but over a few drinks I finally asked her for her number. She said if I really wanted it, I would find it, so I did and when I got back to Ireland I gave her a call.

“I am from Tallaght and she is from Walkinstown, which is only down the road, but we had to come to South Africa to meet each other,” he said.

In December, Gareth and Catherine are expecting their first child. He said they are considering the name Imizamo Yethu, after the township where they met.

Catherine works for the mortgage company run by Niall’s Mellon’s brother, David, and was not able to travel this year on account of her pregnancy. “I am on the phone to her every day and texting her the whole time to see how it is going on, she would love to be over here,” he said.

It is not the first time the annual challenge has marked a milestone in their lives after they got engaged during the 2005 blitz.

“We bought the ring over here. Niall recommended a place so we went there and picked out the one we wanted,” said the electrician.

“In fairness, I think she would be the one to go next year,” said Gareth — while he expects to stay at home minding the baby.