Somerset Park resident blown away by support for Ntando

WHEN Somerset Park resident, Dora Nkwanyana put out an appeal last year to help Ntando Xulu who was injured in a serious accident, she did not anticipate how it would change his life.

Xulu, who is 19-years-old was injured five years ago while sitting in the back of a trailer being towed by a tractor. He was among a group of young boys playing.

Tragedy struck when the trailer tipped over as the tractor turned a corner; several of the boys were flung out. Ntando at the time injured his back and legs but was able to walk after the accident.

It wasn’t until a week later the youngster lost feeling in his lower limbs leaving him unable to stand or support himself. Xulu, who is cared for by his grandmother and mother, lives life on the ground and has lost a large part of his childhood due to the injury and to a large extent lost his mobility.

“This all started when I was visiting someone at the Ngwelezana Hospital in Empangeni. I saw Ntando’s family looking forlorn outside the hospital. I stopped and spoke to the family and gave them a lift to the bus stop. I helped carry Ntando in and out of the car and I couldn’t believe this family had to go through this on a daily basis when they need to move him around. I couldn’t stop thinking about them as I drove home and I decided then I would do what I could to change his life.

“The support from all those who came forward was incredible. I had residents and organisations, people I didn’t know, contact me wanting to make a difference in Ntando’s life. The Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat charity organisation donated several items including a bed, blankets and clothing. Philip Symon of the Geriatskis also donated a specialised wheelchair specific to Ntando’s needs which has made a world of difference. It is now a year since I made the appeal and the difference in his and his family’s life has been immeasurable and has changed for the better. I would just like to thank each and every person who gave so willingly,” she said.

La Lucia resident, Philip Symons of the Geriatskis Club explained he was happy to have been able to make a difference in Ntando’s life.

“When we came across the appeal for help we decided as a club to do something. We look to identify people who are in need of motorised wheelchairs and donate them but in Ntando’s case, he needed a specialised wheelchair which we were able to donate. It’s amazing to see the transformation and how his life has changed. It warms our hearts as a club to see the difference,” he said.

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