Help Baggies Beach artist save his leg

COLLEN Munthali, an artist who sells his paintings at Baggies Beach in Warner Beach, is appealling to anyone who can help him access treatment that may save his leg that has been plagued by tumours and abscesses.

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Collen, 43, said he woke up one morning in January and he noticed that one of the toes on the right leg was swollen and painful.

“Within a few days the pain got worse. I went to the clinic where the toe was drained and cleaned. After it healed, I noticed that some pimples had formed on the lower leg and it was steadily working its way up,” said Collen.

This was when the leg started to swell and the pimples were turning into small tumours and bursting into abscesses. He has gone to the Amanzimtoti Clinic several times and they cleaned the abscesses, and gave him painkillers and antibiotics. They also referred him to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi where he blood tests done, and was told to come back at a later date. That date has come and gone and he could not return to the hospital because he had no taxi fare. Collen still does not know what kind of sickness is causing him this excruciating pain. He said he is looking for any kind of help because what scares him the most is having his leg amputated as he feels it will affect how he makes a living.

Collen stays in KwaFelekisi and he forces himself through the pain to get up every morning to sell his art because he has no other form of income.

“I have to pay rent, buy electricity and food. I can’t afford to sit still,” he said.

To offer any kind of assistance, he can be called on 074 732 5232.

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