It has been 10 months since the horrific accident that claimed the life of 34-year old Donovan Roberts and left 33-year old Brian Boynton paralysed.
For Brian, dealing with the death of his best friend and coming to terms with the fact that he will never walk again, has been a journey of growth and acceptance.
Brian wheeled into WITBANK NEWS offices in his wheelchair on Wednesday, March 29 to say hallo and thank everyone that walked the road with him since the accident.
“I miss Donovan.”
Tears clouded his eyes and he took a few moments to get control over his emotions as the memories embraced him.
“It has been nearly 10 months. I still search for Donovan. I hear him laugh and I feel him everywhere. Sometimes I look up and have long conversations with him,” Brian said.
Donovan and Brian where on their way to Kosi Bay when the accident happened just outside Pongola on June 14 last year.
It is believed that the wheel of Donovan’s Land Cruiser came off.
The Land Cruiser tipped on its side, skid along until it came to a halt against a tree.
Donovan died of extensive head injuries and Brian spent weeks in hospital. Every vertebra in his back, except the 13th one, broke.
The lines around Brian’s eyes have deepened somewhat and there is a quiet maturity in him.
“Yes, I have changed. I have more time to help others. I am not selfish anymore…”
Brian got involved with Laerskool Onverwacht where he coaches rugby and he is very outspoken about bullying.
There are little things he misses, the sensation of feeling grass under his feet, running and playing with his children, jumping up to cheer his rugby team.
“I can’t do that anymore, but I can give back by getting involved.”
Besides coaching Brian is also a collector of chilli plants.
Of the top 10 hottest chillies in the world he has five.
“You have to taste the Carolina Reaper chilli sauce. This sauce is serious business.”
True to Brian’s nature he is already busy with another project that is the subject for sensitive debate, the safety of farmers.
“We are looking at a device that works with a simcard. This gives your exact location and is user friendly. I will be coordinating the project and making sure that all the farmers as far as Ogies, Kriel, Bethal, eMalahleni and Middelburg even Hendrina get involved with it. We have to start focussing on safety.”
Then Brian is busy preparing as he wants to enter the Jacaranda 94.7km cycle race in his wheelchair.
Brian is in constant pain, but his spirit keeps him from giving up.
“People prayed and helped during my stay in hospital. There are many who gave money to pay the hospital bills, so many messages and words of encouragement. I do not know where to start to thank everyone who have been by my side this past 10 months.”
Brian took a deep breath and said, “To everyone who has played a role in our lives these past few months, thank you. Thank you to the local farming community, Pitstop Sportsbar management and members, businesses, my skydiving buddies, friends and family, my uncle from Australia and the people of Australia, my sister Claire Fourie, my mom and dad Sonja and Paul Roux, my lovely wife Vlooi, the Roberts family and Donovan’s fiancée Janine.
“Where do I start, where do I stop? I am so lucky to have you as my support system. Thank you.”
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