450kg Edenvale resident, Mr Corrie Le Grange, hoped to receive the medical care he needs by the end of today when Edenvale Fire Department and paramedics from Emergy-Med arrived at his house in Illiondale earlier today.
The emergency services were on standby outside the house in Illiondale to assist in transporting Mr Le Grange, however the attempts by his fiancé, Ms Shammy Rademeyer to have him hospitalised today were not successful.
Despite financial constraints and difficulty in obtaining transport for Mr Le Grange to hospital, Ms Rademeyer remains adamant to ensure he is hospitalised and receives medical care.
The NEWS reported earlier, Mr Le Grange’s life is in danger as his kidneys are failing and private hospitals refuse to admit him due to his family’s financial constraints. It was reported Mr Le Grange, weighing over 400kg was waiting for specialised equipment to carry him out of the house.
The NEWS has since been informed Mr Le Grange, initially reported to weigh 400kg, weighs 450kg.
Ms Rademeyer then told the NEWS all private hospitals told her that without a minimum of R100 000 upfront, they would not admit her partner.
”They are asking for a lot of money and unfortunately I do not have money,” said Ms Rademeyer.
”I have tried everything and I’m still not giving up, he really needs help,” said Ms Rademeyer.
”He suffers dearly and is in need of medical care urgently. It has not been easy for us. I suffered from cancer myself and have exhausted the medical aid,” she said.
The NEWS was on scene when Mr Le Grange was turned away by hospitals. Since the NEWS first reported on the family’s plight earlier this afternoon, the family received an offer of private transport to hospital.
Ms Rademeyer told the NEWS arrangements are being made to transport Mr Le Grange to Johannesburg Hospital.
“‘I am grateful to everyone who came to help us. I am worried, but I have to be strong for both of us,” she said.
According to Ms Linda McKenzie, the couple is well-known in the community. ”Mr Le Grange is such an amazing man and the family would appreciate any support from the community,” said Ms McKenzie.
Community members who can assist, can contact Mrs McKenzie on 083 973 7093.