RUSAPE BOY (11) IN BATTLE TO HELP PAL

. . . Boys’ special friendship shatters racial barriers

IN the true spirit of friendship, an 11-yearold Rusape boy has pledged to cycle 38 kms raising funds for the treatment of his friend who has hearing challenges.

Declan Stanger is set to cycle from Halfway House to Rusape to raise money to foot the medical bills of Simbarashe Pako (12).

Declan is white and Simba is black but their special bond has shattered racial barriers.

In a post on social media, Declan said:

“My name is Declan and this is Simba. His dad is one of our tractor drivers on the farm. He is deaf and cannot communicate properly.

“He needs some tests at Karinga Mission to see if they can help him but he also needs to go to Jairos Jiri School as he cannot keep up at the farm school anymore.

“He is my friend and I want to help him by raising some money to help pay his tests and school fees.

“My parents could pay but I asked If I could try riding my bicycle from Halfway House to Rusape, 38 kms on Saturday.

“I am kindly asking for any donations, nothing is too small so I can try to help my friend get the help he needs.

“Please get in touch with my mom on 0774891022 if you would like to help.”

Declan’s mother, Kerry-Anne Stanger, said her son was touched by Simba’s condition.

“Declan has been doing cycling at school and so we believe he is prepared well enough to complete the challenge.

“He and Simba are excellent friends and they spend a lot of time together during the holidays doing various things around the farm.

“Simba is 12 and Declan is 11. They have another little friend called Leon.”

Kerry added:

“Declan and Simba use their sign language and they are very close. They started playing together before Covid-19 and up to now they are still good friends.”

Simba’s mother, Sarah Loki said:

“We are grateful to Declan for this initiative. It shows that they are good friends.

“As a family, we can’t afford the bills and are asking for help.”