“I’M short of words, all I can say is thank you for changing our lives.” These were the heartfelt words of Teddy Nkwanyana. Almost two weeks ago Northglen News spoke to the 77-year-old, who, for the past few years, has had to drag his immobile sister, Winnie (72), around on a brown shaggy mat. He also had to carry her – almost infant-like – to the bathroom as well as carry her to bed.
When she was two years old, Winnie suffered a debilitating stroke. This led to her being totally dependent on her brother, and in the last few years she has not been able to walk or support her own weight.
While the local resident was still able to go to school, she struggled to walk and the problem worsened as she got older.
Teddy’s emotional appeal for help with a wheelchair and adult nappies for Winnie galavanised the North Durban community, which opened their hearts to help the elderly siblings.
“We have thrown the brown mat away,” a jubilant Teddy said. “The support from the residents has been fantastic. We are so grateful – you have changed our lives,” he said.
Through the article, a number of diapers have been donated to the cause. But, most importantly, a local resident donated a much-needed wheelchair.
“We’ve already been able to use the wheelchair to take Winnie to the clinic. It is very emotional, but in a good way. One of the days we were out at the shops, and when we returned, a good Samaritan had left a stool with a number of diapers on it. A lady in the area has also offered to take us to the shops or to the clinic whenever we need to go.
“We didn’t expect such an overwhelming response from the community; Winnie’s smile says it all. I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Teddy said.
