Medals boost spirits of Frere’s young patients

Physiotherapy acting head says initiative salutes brave children

In an effort to reward the brave little faces that enter Frere Hospital’s paediatric wards, acting head of physiotherapy, Sidarshia Govender, has endeavoured to collect as many medals as she can.

“We want the children to associate the hospital with a sense of achievement, because they have achieved something. They have been brave enough to be here, no matter how small or big the procedure or treatment they’ve undergone is,” Govender said.

Starting out almost five months ago, Govender is overwhelmed with the positive response from the public.

“I had the idea after I saw social media posts about a doctor doing something similar in Cape Town. I didn’t expect such a huge response, but the public have really jumped on board,” said Govender.

The first donation saw a Good Samaritan donate 15 of her son’s dusty medals. Today, the hospital has received over 150 medals from running clubs, colleagues, school sportsmen and women and even a regular Comrades Marathon runner.

“Every race is sentimental, but these kids need the medals more. It’s a really good cause and Sid [Govender] always tags me in posts on Facebook to show me who gets my medals,” said avid runner, Ede Tyopo who works in Frere Hospital’s finance unit.

Tyopo is a regular Comrades runner and has inspired fellow runners from his Old Mutual Running Club to donate their medals from various races over the years.

Frere CEO Rolene Wagner said that their young patients often endured very painful and difficult experiences and it felt right that they should receive some acknowledgement.

“On behalf of the Frere management team I do want to appreciate everyone out there who is rallying to this call to donate their loved medals – you are all clearly champions,” she said.

● If anyone would like to donate medals or trophies to this cause please drop them off at the Frere physiotherapy department. Alternatively donations can be posted to the following address: The CEO, Room 4.60 Fourth floor, Frere Hospital, Amalinda, East London 5200, Private Bag X9047.

I didn’t expect a huge response, but the public have jumped on board

Picture: MADELEINE CHAPUT LITTLE HERO: Acting head of physiotherapy at Frere Hospital, Sidarshia Govender, left, walks four-year-old Kwandokuhle Walaza out of the orthopaedic paediatrics ward after receiving her medal. Govender initiated the bravery medals project five months ago and hopes more people will donate medals.