Good Samaritan donates new wheelchair

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Although the living conditions of Thandolwethu Lombo (7) and his mother haven't changed since last week's article in George Herald, the family is smiling from ear to ear. A Good Samaritan has given Thandolwethu a new wheelchair and a portable toilet.

Thandolwethu, who lives with his mother, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was nine months old. This left him almost entirely disabled.

He is confined to a wheelchair and cannot talk or walk; his mother has to assist him with simple tasks such as brushing his teeth or going to the toilet.

His ageing wheelchair could not be manoeuvred over the terrain where they live, which has no proper walkways, and his mother had to carry him up to their tiny shack in Zone 7, Thembalethu.

They share one toilet, not designed for the disabled, with many other residents. This makes it difficult for Thandolwethu to answer nature's call.

To make matters worse, the communal toilets are situated next to their shack, so when there's a blockage, sewage flows into their house.

After reading of the Lombos' plight in the George Herald, a Good Samaritan, who asked not to be named, was so touched by the story that she contacted the newspaper and offered to donate a new wheelchair and a portable toilet.

The new donated wheelchair and portable toilet.

The toilet is designed for people with mobility impairments and is foldable for easy carrying and storage in a small space.

Councillor Khayalethu Lose handed over the items to the family on behalf of the anonymous donor.

Thandolwethu's mother, Nwabisa, was very happy about the donations. "We give lots of thanks to the lady who donated these items. She has indeed made our lives much easier. I don't have words to describe how I feel. May God bless her and continue to give her strength to continue doing the good work."

Thandolwethu's old wheelchair.