Young at heart: Gaynor the gym bunny

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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - Her parents were told there is nothing anyone could do for her and that she should be put into an institution for the rest of her earthly life. Gaynor Young (63) proved them all wrong.

Thirty-five years ago, Gaynor had a horrific accident that left her unable to move, speak or hear, and she stared at the ceiling with little hope of any future.

Against all odds this energetic woman fought for mobility and independence, and nowadays frequents a local gymnasium twice a week where she receives strength training from Michela Perdichizzi of Chellan Fit.

"She's an absolute darling," said a beaming Gaynor last week during an interview at Virgin Active.

Michela reached out two months ago when she saw Gaynor's limp, and offered to help at no cost. "You know, Michela is the same age I was [28] when my life changed forever," said Gaynor.

Michela Perdichizzi with Gaynor Young. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

In December 1989, Gaynor landed the role of Guinevere for Camelot, a musical staged at the State Theatre in Pretoria. Gaynor was in fact the understudy for the role, but the lead fell ill two weeks into the performance and Gaynor took over. She did so without having had a dress or technical rehearsal.

Just before the final scene, before interval, Gaynor ran off the stage for a dress change. A blackout occurred at that very moment, and Gaynor turned the wrong way. She fell down an 18m unguarded stage lift shaft and landed on concrete.

Gaynor spent seven weeks in hospital in a coma. When she woke up, she could only move her eyes from side to side, nothing else. She had lost 60% of her eyesight and couldn't even blink or shut her eyes. She had also lost her hearing and speech.

Doctors told her parents the best they could do is to have her institutionalised, because her brain damage was extensive. But her mom thought differently.

Planking like a pro: Gaynor manages to keep it straight. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

"I traded acting and dress rehearsals for therapy sessions - speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy," said Gaynor. "My mom was my biggest motivator. She believed in me and with her help, I pushed through. The first thing I was taught was to find my balance, to allow me to sit up straight."

Gaynor had to completely readjust her life. She lives with a slight speech impediment, a spastic right side and a limp.

"My parents supported me throughout," she said. "The court case against the Performing Arts Council in Transvaal ran for ten years, but we won, and I can now at least live off the interest of the investment."

VIDEO: The remarkable comeback of Gaynor Young: From tragedy to triumph