Glen's wheels head for the future
2008-10-16
Lise Beyers
SEVEN months ago life was all roses for matriculant Glen Ward. Glen, a student at Paarl Boys’ High, was a highly promising sportsman, playing first team for his school in both cricket and rugby. But this came to an abrupt end one evening in March this year, when he and a friend, Kyle de Jager, were involved in an accident in Paarl Main Street on Kyle’s scooter. Ward’s back was broken in five places, and he sustained a broken chest and ribs, as well as serious internal injuries. When Glen’s condition was stabilised and he had regained full consciousness, he had to face the dreaded news from doctors that he would never walk again. Those were the words that have changed this young man’s life forever. But he is not taking it lying down. Barely a month after the accident, Glen decided to return to school. “I missed my friends and needed to prove that I am not going to sit back and feel sorry for myself. “Although my life has changed very much, I am positive about the future and refuse to become depressed about my situation.” By this time Glen was behind in his school work, but with the help of the teaching staff of Boys’ High, he managed to get back to schedule in no time. “It has been great to be back at school and it is amazing how everybody is always at hand to help me. “If I need to get up and down stairs, I don’t even need to ask for help. My fellow students simply grab the sides of my wheelchair and carry me. “This is the true spirit of Boys’ High, and I think without this spirit, I may not have been so positive about the future.” And Glen’s eyes start to twinkle when he talks of his girlfriend, Lindsay Bonthuys, who has stood by him throughout his ordeal. “Many girls would probably run away from a guy in a wheelchair, but Lindsay has been there for me all the way, before and after the accident.” The road to recovery hasn’t been all sunshine and roses for Glen. “I would be lying if I said that I don’t have any regrets. “My lifestyle has changed dramatically, and I am now more dependent on other people. “But I am at peace with my situation and am very grateful to my parents who believe in me and who have been very supportive.” Glen admits that he misses his sport tremendously, but has taken up hand-cycling which he thoroughly enjoys. He also often works out in the gym. Every second day he undergoes intensive physiotherapy, and this is expected to continue for a long time still. Next year Glen will be studying B.Comm. management at Stellenbosch and he intends to also become involved in motivational speaking, to share his road to recovery with others. And although Glen’s medical prognosis is not good, with permanent paralysis having been diagnosed, he is still adamant that one day he will walk again. “Miracles never cease to happen, and without hope and faith, we have nothing.”
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