Pilates instructor gets down and dirty fixing stranded woman’s car
Not only did McDonald repair the vehicle, but she also went the extra mile, literally, by following Green and her daughter for about seven minutes to ensure their safety.
A heartfelt story of kindness unfolded on Samora Machel Drive in Mbombela on November 13 when a Good Samaritan came to the aid of a stranded mother and daughter.
Octilia Green and her young daughter found themselves stuck underneath the bridge near Hall’s when their Ford Figo broke down. A young woman happened to be passing by and didn’t hesitate to stop and help.
Green shared her experience with the #ImStaying community on social media, expressing her gratitude. “I’d like to appreciate this lovely lady who stopped to help my daughter and me in the rain today on the busy N4 just outside of Mbombela.
I’m still in awe! She identified the problem, fixed it and drove behind us for about seven minutes to see if we’re still fine. If you see this post, Kiddy, I appreciate you and would love to buy you a coffee sometime. You really are an angel sent from above. My daughter cannot stop talking about you,” the post read.
By 15:00 on Wednesday afternoon, six hours after the post was made, it was shared 243 times and had no fewer than 306 comments on the original posting. Needless to say, it didn’t take netizens too long to identity the well-doer as Thea McDonald, 33 year old Pilates, stretch and mobility instructor at ANEW Resort White River.
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McDonald, who has developed her own knack for mechanics over the years by working on her VW Golf, quickly assessed the issue with the Figo and got to work on the roadside.
She quickly determine that it was the distributor cap that popped off and managed to get it back on and the car running again, allowing the grateful mother and daughter to continue their journey.
Not only did McDonald repair the vehicle, but she also went the extra mile, literally, by following Green and her daughter for a while before having to run an errand at Rocky Drift.
Speaking to Lowvelder, McDonald said: “I’ve had my fair share of car troubles and learnt how to handle a few issues myself. If you drive older cars, you kind of pick up on these things over time, and you never know when you might need to lend a hand. I believe one should help where you can.
You never know when you might need the help of someone else. Help as often as you can and where you can,” McDonald said.
An array of comments followed Green’s post, commending McDonald’s action.
“ … and that’s what we should be teaching both our daughters and sons. Huge respect,” said Jadzia Sham.
“Hats off to this wonderful stranger for showing kindness and compassion!” said Marianne Lotter.
“Besides being an awesome human, you go, girl,” said Linda Naidoo.
“If you choose one thing, choose kindness! Thanks, lady,” said Maryke Kruger.
Hlologelo Malatji said: “In the meantime, invest in teaching your daughter the basics of a car:
1. Topping up coolant
2. Checking battery connections
3. Changing tyre
4. Jump-starting
“We live in a dangerous country, a female shouldn’t be stuck in some dodgy areas.”
