Ewart and Gertrude’s romance began in Cambridge when Ewart fell in love at first sight with Gertrude Edith Watt, his classmate’s sister. Despite his strong feelings, Gertrude’s stepfather initially rejected Ewart’s marriage proposal. Determined to prove his worth, Ewart accepted a daunting challenge from Gertrude’s father: to traverse the entire African continent on foot.
In 1898, at the age of 24, Ewart embarked on his journey. Two and a half years later, he completed the perilous trek from Cape Town to Cairo, proving his dedication. Victorious, Ewart married Gertrude in October 1900. They later moved to Kenya in 1904, where they lived in their Muthaiga home, affectionately named Gertrude’s Garden.
Tragically, their happily ever after was cut short on July 6, 1943, when Gertrude died of a heart attack. Her death was a blow not only to Ewart but also to the community, where she had been an active member of the East Africa Women’s League (EAWL) since 1937 and its president for six months.
After World War II ended, there was a wave of reconstruction, including the establishment of schools and hospitals. The EAWL saw this as a chance to honor Gertrude’s memory. In 1945, as they raised funds for a memorial, Colonel Grogan donated his house and land in Muthaiga. Initially, it was intended to be a home for children orphaned by the war.
However, the EAWL envisioned a more impactful tribute. They decided to transform Gertrude’s Garden into a children’s hospital. Various organizations joined forces to support this cause, and in 1946, the EAWL successfully raised the necessary funds to equip the hospital. Finally, in 1947, Gertrude’s Garden Children’s Hospital officially opened, continuing to honor Gertrude’s legacy through its dedication to the care of children.
