UPDATE: Hit-and-run victim Dudley home at last
Dudley Cole who was in a horrific accident on May 15 is home with his family but the road to recovery still has some way to go.
The community was shocked when they heard the story of Dudley Cole who was fighting for his life a second time following a horrific hit-and-run accident.
Dudley was on his way home on May 15 when his car collided with a tree. Dudley had to be resuscitated and airlifted. His family, however, believes another vehicle was involved and are still looking for eyewitnesses and answers.
Also read: Hit-and-run victim fights for his life – again
But as Dudley was fighting for his life, the prayers and support rushed in and finally Dudley was allowed to go home at the beginning of August.
His sister, Candice Cole, started a Facebook page called My brother and has kept his supporters updated.
On August 4 she shared the good news that they were saying goodbye to the hospital. Because he was not making any functional improvement at the stepdown unit, the medical aid would not cover his hospital care anymore. The family then prepared a room for Dudley and believed that with the love and familiar surroundings he would improve at home.
“The next chapter will be new for all of us and I’m sure we will have difficult days. We won’t have much downtime as we will focus all our attention on Dudley. But please know that we read every note and your generosity, love and support keep us strong,” Candice wrote.
Then the big day arrived on August 6 and Dudley finally went home.
He was so happy to see everyone and thankful as mom and his wife, Ilze was here too. He seems to have such a feeling of relief and peace. His eyes kept following Rogan.”
She added that Rogan was calm and understanding of his dad not being able to talk to him.
On August 22 Dudley spent 15 minutes in his new wheelchair, and Candice explained that there were even talks of removing his tracheostomy tube.
Also read: Dudley’s doctor surprises his wife with video call
With Dudley now being at home the family has a lot of expenses, and Candice explained that the medical aid only paid for 30 days of the round the clock care that Dudley would need. There are also doctors bills and other expenses, and the family has started BackaBuddy page to help them raise funds to take care of Dudley. You can support this campaign by visiting the page at www.backabuddy.co.za/dudley-cole.
Candice also shared a list of necessities they need for Dudley and said that if someone wants to help but can’t make a financial contribution they are always in need of large gauze swabs (100 x 100mm), large night nappies (ultra absorbing, the one with five drops on the pack), large day nappies, bed liners, sanitizer, disposable gloves, disposable masks, alcohol-free mouthwash, Vaseline, Dove soap and lotion.
Alternatively you can contact Candice on 076 687 5081.
