EVERY fourth Monday of the month, patients from Headway Natal gather at the Westville Country Club Bowling Club for a game of bowls.

Headway Natal’s Ian Vowles said the organisation has been running the initiative for years, helping patients improve their hand-eye co-ordination. Headway Natal is a non-profit rehabilitation centre that assists survivors of acquired brain injuries, stroke victims and their caregivers.

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“It is also vital for our patients to be outside, get fresh air and, most importantly, socialise. We are thankful to the bowling club for hosting us, helping our members and providing the amazing opportunity to use their greens while in wheelchairs,” said Vowles.

Headway Natal patient Tom Rout said he always looks forward to the monthly game of bowls.

Rout, a former learner at Kearsney College, was involved in a horrific accident that changed his life forever.

Despite all he has endured, Rout remains full of life and highly competitive. He is regarded as one of the top bowls players at Headway Natal.

“I enjoy the game of bowls. It is fun and gives me a chance to compete. A bit of competition is always good,” he said.

“At school, I played squash, canoeing and rugby. I was in Grade 11 when I had the accident. We were celebrating the end of the rugby season.”

Chairperson of the Westville Country Club Bowling Club, Craig Shiller, said he took over the role from the previous chairperson.

“We do it with love and for the benefit of the people at Headway. They are all amazing. Our members come and help on the day,” said Shiller.

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