‘Miracle’ Andre to exchange wedding vows with Samantha
Andre's strength comes from God and he explained that before every procedure he said a little prayer which helped him through. His positive outlook on life and his never-say-die attitude have touched all those who know him.
A loving couple will exchange wedding vows tomorrow – just a year after electrician, Andre Vorster, suffered third-degree burns over 85% of his body.
Andre and fellow municipal electrician, Kallie Karelse, were both severely burnt after an electrical sub station they were working on, exploded in December 2014.
Andre spent a total of 84 days in ICU in Richards Day, 20 days in an induced coma and underwent 43 surgeries in the space of seven months.
Despite undergoing so much, and enduring unbelievable pain, Andre remains positive and still manages to retain his sense of humour. Now, he and financé, Samantha Parkhouse, are going to realise the dream they planned: marriage.
The couple will be married in the Glencoe-Oos Church at 1pm tomorrow, February 6.
Andre explained that because his bones were very brittle and broken after the fire, he has irregular bone growth as the new bones have started growing in. Doctors can’t correct it as yet because his skin is still very thin and blisters once in a while.
However, despite what still needs to be done, doctors are amazed at his recovery. Most people don’t survive more than 30-40% burns over their body.
“The Lord didn’t want me to die, he kept me alive for a reason,” Andre said.
“Although you are in pain, there is always someone worse. Never give up, never give up hope. Always believe and pray”. Andre’s strength comes from God and he explained that before every procedure he said a little prayer which helped him through. His positive outlook on life and his never-say-die attitude have touched all those who know him.
