WHEN Mike Stevens announced to his UK boss that he was going on holiday to South Africa to visit a friend, he had no idea at the time that his visit would change the life of a cerebral palsy toddler who is a resident at HOLAH where his friend Leanne Lorrance, the co-founder of the House of Love and Hope, works.
Mike works for Voyage Care, a company that specialises in the care of adults with mental health issues, learning disabilities and brain injuries. Leanne is also a former employee of Voyage Care and had worked for the company before moving to South Africa.
“When I applied for time off to come visit Leanne and the children at HOLAH, my CEO called me in and spoke to me about the home. He asked what size Upsee harness I would need, and ordered it for me to bring over!” he said. “The Upsee harness is easy to get hold of in the UK but are much more expensive here and cost around R8 000,” explained Leanne.
It was with great excitement this week that Mikey, who will be four in October, got to take his first steps with the help of the harness. Although the toddler is able to stand on his own while holding onto something to support himself, he is desperate to be able to move but tends to fall over.
Mikey was placed in the harness-type vest, which was then fastened around Mike’s waist, and after much effort, as Mikey struggles to keep his little legs still, his feet were strapped in next to Mike’s.
The expression of joy on Mikey’s face spoke volumes and warmed the hearts of all those who witnessed him taking his first solo steps – with a little help! Holding onto Mike’s hands, Mikey got to walk around the sitting room, down the steps and into the garden.
Mike said he was so glad Mikey enjoyed the harness, as he was worried he would feel restricted. “Once he gets the hang of it, he will really enjoy it,” he said.
Leanne was overjoyed about this milestone in Mikey’s life.
“When he came into HOLAH almost two years ago, he couldn’t even sit up on his own. He has come such a long way. He is a determined boy, and with the right therapy he will go a long way. It’s so exciting to see him take his first steps,” she said.
Mike said he planned on returning to visit next year, and in the meantime would be fundraising for HOLAH from the UK.
