FUNDRAISING is still underway for Siya Njiva, a mountain bike enthusiast and coach who was severely injured in an accident in the Durban CBD in May this year.
Siya had been crossing Anton Lembede (Smith) Street when a car ploughed into him.
The driver fled the scene on foot and Siya was rushed to Addington Hospital where he underwent surgery to insert pins in his leg and elbow. An appeal went out in Berea Mail to help raise funds for his rehabilitation following the incident which took play just one week after Siya had started his dream job with Shaun Peschl at Peschlsports Pro Development. Siya is one of the country’s top semi-professional cyclists who also plays a huge role in developing younger athletes in the City’s Go Durban Cycle Academy.
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Responding to the support he has been given since the accident, Siya said: “I have been overwhelmed by the response from the amazing people who have come forward to help. I thank everyone who has helped me.”
Siya was informed a month after his operation at Addington Hospital that his one leg would be shorter than the other. Debbie Cameron Physiotherapists noticed other issues and advised him to undergo a second operation on his leg at Westville Hospital.
“I lost 15kg in two weeks at Addington Hospital. It has been tough. There were days when I thought I would never walk again. When I was in hospital I thought there was no hope, but I have been going for rehab at Prime Human Performance Institute at Moses Mabhida Stadium, and I’m now down from using two sticks to one. My leg gets swollen and it is uncomfortable, but I am determined to get better and get back to work!” he said.
Siya said he was missing working with Shaun and the children he trains and has been down to the academy over the past few weeks to visit.
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He has been staying with friends Chris and Maureen Rudham, while he has been recovering. Maureen said Siya’s commitment to getting back to work is evident through the progress he has made.
“Siya coaches the children at the academy to better themselves, he doesn’t just teach them just to ride bikes. He is committed to rehab at Prime and is dying to get back to his job. Shaun has been very supportive and we have had amazing support from medical people who have given of their time to help Siya. We are so grateful to all the people who have come forward to help,” she said.
WIN
Maureen said fundraising will continue and that one of the ‘angels’ from the riding group ha come forward to raise further funds. She has challenged other mountain bikers and the community to match or better her donation of R1 000 to stand a chance to win a five-night accommodation package in a double luxury tent at the Baleia Vista resort south of Ponta du Oura in Mozambique.
If the community is interested in getting involved, they are encouraged to pay a donation into the trust account: Prop-Ad Trust Account, FNB Davenport, branch code: 220226, account number: 50870042302. Use Siya, your name and cellphone number as a reference. Email maureenjrudham@gmail.com to be entered into the draw. An amount of R250 gets you one entry, R500 gets you two entries, R750 gets you four entries, R1 000 gets you six entries and more than R1 000 gets the cumulative amount.
SIYA’S CASE
SIYA said the police had contacted him to say the man who was responsible for knocking him over had been arrested.
“The police had told me they had found a witness and located the man and that they would call me back to let me know the progress on the case, but they haven’t called again,” he said.
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Berea Mail sent a request for feedback to Durban Central SAPS, however no response had been received at the time of going to print.
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT
THANK YOU to all those of you who have supported Siya and are continuing to support him.
To his Orthopaedic Surgeon, who politely declined to be mentioned. Sincere thanks for your heartfelt caring and selfless commitment.
Drs Beck Danchin and Partners and anaesthetist Dr Rob Graham.
Dr Morne Moolman who assisted during the procedure.
Stryker South Africa for discounted supply of plates and screws.
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BMG Orthopaedic Solutions for discounted supply of bone graft.
Life Westville Hospital for discounted hospital charges.
Mr Riaan Croucamp – Manager.
Mr Ishan Sewpersad – Finance Manager.
Debbie Cameron Physiotherapists, who have taken Siya through the first six weeks post op rehab.
Dr Kevin Subban, head of SASCOC medical team who has committed to Siya’s total and full rehabiltation at the Prime Human Performance Institute.
Shaun Peschl of Peschlsports Pro Development, official mentors of the GO! Durban Cycling Academy and Siya’s employer, for his loyal and ongoing support for Siya throughout his three months away from work.
Robyn Sandy for fundraising.
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