May 23, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Dawie on road to recovery Ronelle Ramsamy THE 21 year-old Richards Bay mechanic, who was left paralysed after a diving accident in Richards Bay earlier this year, is recovering well at a rehabilitation medical facility in Pretoria. In a tragic incident in February, Dawie Erasmus hit his head on a sandbank while diving during a beach outing with his girlfriend Angelique Maia and two other friends at Naval Island. The Veldenvlei youngster suffered severe neck and spinal injuries, leaving him paralysed from the chest down. However, the long-term hospitalisation has not been a dampener for Dawie, who has been undergoing daily physiotherapy to regain his strength. Exercise According to Dawie's mother, Amanda Locke, her son has been exercising daily to fully use his arms, hands and fingers again. 'Dawie remains in hospital, but is allowed to go home on weekends in Pretoria. He might even come down to Richards Bay for a weekend at the end of this month He is doing very well and is now able to use his arms. 'The physiotherapists are teaching him to do many things on his own and to be able to move around. He is expected to be discharged in the next two months,' said Locke. During the difficult time, Dawie has received tremendous support and strength from his family and girlfriend who frequently travel from Richards Bay to visit him. The couple reportedly got engaged almost a month ago. A trust fund has been set up under Dawie's name to assist with the huge financial costs involved due to the long-term hospitalisation and surgery: David Erasmus Fund Absa Bank Account Number: 9196907549 Branch Code: 632005 Anyone wishing to assist the family can contact Amanda Locke on 076 9541942.