Double amputee climbs the SkyWalk
DOUBLE amputee Ranetsie Manyoni, 16, led the charge yesterday to raise awareness and funds for amputee children by mounting the 550 steps to the top of the arch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The pupil, from the Durban Open Air School, decided not to use his new prosthetic legs but climbed the stairs using his hands, dragging his body 106m above the ground.
And he did it with a smile while his proud father looked on.
He was joined by a number of citizens who made a donation to take part in the StepUp 500 Challenge at the Stadium yesterday.
The event, in its second year, was hosted by paralympic shotputter Tyrone Pillay. Funds raised are donated to Jumping Kids, a non-profit organisation that donates advanced prosthetic solutions to children with lower extremity amputation. They are currently assisting 70 children in the country, who included six pupils from the Durban Open Air School, including Ranetsie.
They hope to beat the R275 000 raised last year.
Pillay said it was wonderful to be able to play a role in helping children in need.
“The work Jumping Kids does is phenomenal. To see the quality of life of children improve by giving them legs brings tears to my eyes. My life was vastly improved after getting a better prosthetic leg.”
Michael Stevens, the operations manager of Jumping Kids, said a number of chil- dren couldn’t afford the expensive prostethics or operations.
“By giving them quality prosthetics we are giving them the opportunity to live life to the fullest. They can attend mainstream schools, go to university and find jobs. I was an amputee when I was 12, but could afford the operations and led a normal life. I want to give other children that same opportunity,” he said.
For more information or to donate, visit www.jumpingkids.org.za