MARLOTH PARK – Mr Tom Esterhuizen was helping with the removal of alien plants in the area and waiting to take over work with a chainsaw, when the handler lost control of it.
Esterhuizen was cut under his knee and rushed to Tonga Hospital by ambulance. He was then transferred to Themba Hospital, near White River, where he was treated for a partially severed tendon. The wound was stitched up, his leg put in a brace and he was sent home.
Two days later, after experiencing tremendous pain, he went to see Dr Theo Stronkhorst in Komatipoort, who immediately realised that the tendon was totally severed below the knee.
Esterhuizen was admitted to Lowveld Hospital in Mbomela, where they had to operate on his leg, since it was severly infected by that time.
When friends and family heard about the procedure and that at least R60 000 was needed immediately, the message was spread via social media. A few people went door to door to ask for help and businesses, lodge and guest-house owners, as well as some local organisations, gave donations.
After the infection had cleared up, all the tendons were replaced with artificial ones and Esterhuizen had to stay in hospital for a week.
Thanks to the donations, he and his wife, Annemarie, could pay for the hospital and all the blood tests. The specialist and anaesthetist bills still need to be settled, but friends from overseas have donated money towards these.
Due to the accident, the couple also had to postpone assuming their new temporary positions at Chekinah Lodge. The original date of employment was August 22, but upon hearing of the accident, the owners postponed it to October 1.
Esterhuizen visited the doctor on Monday because his knee was still bleeding and swollen and he was told to take things a bit easier. He had to have the wound cleaned yesterday and will go again tomorrow, and visit the specialist on Monday.
The Esterhuizens would like to thank everyone – local organisations and businesses to individuals, church and cell groups, the NG Kerk Komati, Dr Kuhn from Mbombela, as well as friends and family for their support. “How can a thank you ever be enough, especially where there is such a lot of love in such a small town,” his wife stated.
