Role models surprise sick teen with a visit
HIS wish was to have his cricket bat autographed by a local radio and TV personality.
Instead, 15-year-old Denis Trotsky got more than he bargained for when Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn, Stormers captain Siya Kolisi and Cape Town City midfielder Teko Modise, along with Ryan O’Connor, surprised him with a visit at his hospital bedside yesterday.
Denis, from Goodwood, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at the age of five and has spent the past three months in ICU.
Arlene Lloyd, Denis’s aunt, had contacted O’Connor on his Facebook page to request he sign a mini cricket bat, which she had bought for Denis as a Christmas gift.
“Denis is sports crazy and when I bought the bat, I just wanted to make it more special by having O’Connor sign it.”
Lloyd said Denis spent Christmas and New Year in hospital, but despite this he remained in high spirits.
“He really is such an amazing boy and deserves all of this. I could never have imagined this would balloon the way that it did, but I am so excited for him.”
Lloyd said they tried to keep the secret under wraps for as long as possible, “until my husband Paul couldn’t help but tell Denis there was a surprise for him”.
Denis beamed the moment his sporting heroes approached his hospital bed and had just finished watching the Proteas’ Test victory against India.
Steyn, who is recovering from a heel injury, said he was approached by O’Connor, who explained why he needed help in surprising Denis.
“I said absolutely and would be here as soon as I could. It definitely is worth it coming out here and being able to do this. I have done this before and have seen the reactions from kids and how grateful they are, and in a small way it is re-energising for myself.”
Modise, who is gearing up for the derby with Ajax Cape Town at the weekend, said he was “glad to be a part of the initiative and happy to see Denis is in good spirits”.
Kolisi, armed with a bag full of Stormers memorabilia, said he was contacted by Bryan Habana.
“Habana asked if there was anyone who could assist and I said I would do it myself. So I’m here today and hopefully I can put a smile on his face.”