At only 12 years old, Laerskool Randhart learner Bronwyn-Lee Peyper has made an extraordinary difference in her community.

The Mr and Miss Alberton Junior 2023 titleholder and current Miss Alberton Teen finalist dedicated her community project to helping her neighbour, Teerance Linford, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Terrance’, walk again.

After noticing that Linford had lost his leg and struggled to move around, Bronwyn-Lee felt moved to help.

“He lived in our complex. One day, I saw that he had lost his foot. It just came to my heart to help him,” she said.

To raise funds, Bronwyn-Lee created a BackaBuddy campaign and began selling socks for R20.

With the help of her parents and community, she raised enough money for Linford to receive a prosthetic leg through MediMix Alberton, under the care of orthotist-prosthetist AJ du Preez.

Du Preez explained that Linford is a below-the-knee amputee, meaning his leg was amputated through the tibia and fibula, while his knee joint remained intact.

@albertonrecordAt only 12 years old, Laerskool Randhart learner Bronwyn-Lee Peyper has made an extraordinary difference in her community. The Mr and Miss Alberton Junior 2023 titleholder and current Miss Alberton Teen finalist dedicated her community project to helping her neighbour, Teerance Linford, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Terrance’, walk again. After noticing that Linford had lost his leg and struggled to move around, Bronwyn-Lee felt moved to help. “He lived in our complex. One day, I saw that he had lost his foot. It just came to my heart to help him,” she said. Read more on albertonrecord.co.za

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“We needed to replace the ankle and foot and make a prosthetic socket that fits over the remaining limb,” he said.
“At this stage, Terrance received a temporary leg that allows us to check the fit and alignment. Once we are sure everything fits comfortably, he will receive his final prosthetic leg on November 9.”

The final prosthetic leg will have a carbon fibre split-toe blade foot, which will help him move comfortably over uneven ground and provide him with energy feedback when walking.

While community-driven prosthetic donations do occur, Du Preez said what made this project remarkable was the initiative of a young girl and the way people came together.

“It is not something that happens every month, but when people unite like this, it is truly special,” he said.

According to Bronwyn-Lee’s mother, Paula, her daughter’s compassion and determination have always been evident.

“She came to me one morning and said, ‘Mom, let’s help Uncle Terrance walk again’. We gave her R300 to start, and that small amount grew into thousands. We are so proud of her,” Paula said.

The funds Bronwyn-Lee raised covered the cost of the prosthetic components, including the foot, pylon and liner. MediMix then offered to craft the socket at its own expense.

For Linford, who lost his leg last October 2024 after an injury at work, it was life-changing; the new prosthetic means far more than just mobility.

He explained that he was working on a glass showcase when a pane slipped from its frame and struck his shin.

The injury damaged the nerve in his leg, and despite receiving stitches and a brace, the wound became infected.

Because Linford is diabetic, the infection worsened, and doctors had to amputate his leg below the knee.

“It is a life-changing experience. I was without a leg for a year, using crutches and a wheelchair,” he said.

“When they told me I was getting a prosthetic leg, I cried. I am so grateful to Bronwyn-Lee and everyone who helped. With this leg, I can walk, drive and live a normal life again.”

Now, with a renewed sense of independence, Linford hopes his story encourages others living with disabilities to remain positive.

“Always look for the better possibilities in your disability. Find a way to improve and move forward,” he said.

Bronwyn-Lee’s kindness does not stop there. She continues to raise funds to buy Linford hearing aids and is running her Give a Hug, Give a Bear initiative, collecting teddy bears to comfort those in need.

“It feels good to help someone in my community,” she said with a smile.

“Because of everyone’s kindness, Uncle Terrance can walk again.”