Schoolboys recuperate
2008-04-17
Lise Beyers
A VERY promising young sportsman of Paarl Boys’ High is unlikely to walk again, after a devastating scooter crash a month ago. Matriculants Glen Ward and Kyle de Jager were on their way to Courtrai shortly after midnight on the evening of 15 March, when Kyle lost control of his scooter in Main Street in Paarl, near KWV. The scooter collided with a street light, flinging both Glen and Kyle from the scooter. Due to the impact of the crash, Glen broke his spine in two places and sustained serious internal injuries due to a crushed chest. Kyle fractured five vertebrae and injured his shoulder. Both were transported to the Paarl MediClinic and received emergency treatment in the intensive care unit. Glen was later transferred to the Groote Schuur Hospital’s spinal unit were he was operated to fuse his spine. The prognosis is that Glen, who played both first team cricket and rugby for Boys’ High, will remain paralysed from his chest downwards. He is now receiving intensive rehabilitation treatment at the University of Cape Town’s spinal unit. Glen’s father, Michael, says that it is going to be a long road to recovery, “but we are taking it one day at a time.” “This week has been a milestone when the intravenous tubes were removed and Glen was actually able to eat on his own, using his hands. “It is a very difficult situation, but he is a very positive, strong young man who will make the most of the rest of his life. “We are eternally grateful to the gene-ral public of Paarl, and Boys’ High, who have shown us much support during these difficult times.” After recuperating at the Paarl MediCli-nic, Kyle has been transferred to the Optenhosp aftercare centre where he too is undergoing rehabilitation. “Kyle is now learning to walk with a back and neck brace,” said his mother. “It is very difficult for all of us, but I am sure we will come out of this as stronger people.” Both the de Jagers and Wards are seeking legal advice after the accident: “We suspect that Kyle hit a pothole in the Main Street, and this can be directly linked to the cause of the accident.” * Paarl Boys’ High has set up a trust fund for Glen: Nedbank savings account: HJS Glen Ward Fund, account number 2389027741, branch code 138905.
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