Money raised for burn victim

Pretoria North residents have joined forces to raise money for burn victim Sean Smith’s medical treatment.

Smith (16) suffered 45-55 percent burns internally and externally when his shirt caught fire as he was helping a stranded woman with her car on Monday.

He has been at the Unitas hospital since then.

Annerie du Plooy, of the Hero Burn Foundation, said Smith had third degree burns on his hands, neck and chin.

He also had partial third degree burns on his back and arms.

Local businessman Jaco Olivier said Theo Nel, one of the school’s former pupils who is now a a local singer, came up with the idea of hosting a concert.

“The local business community is joining hands to help this young boy,” said Olivier.

Olivier said Ferdi Steyn, a local music agent, was working on getting South African artists to perform at the concert.

So far, the Hero Burns Foundation has raised more than R40 000 to cover Smith’s medical costs as his family does not have medical aid.

On Thursday, Smith was taken to the operating room for deep wound cleaning and wound treatment. The procedure lasted more than three hours.

Medical costs for the operating room are determined by the minute.

Hospital manager Robert Jordaan told Rekord the hospital would contribute towards Smith’s medical care.

Ward councillor Elma Nel also said she would help where she could.

Nel said it was sad to hear that the teenager got hurt when he was only trying to help.

“We as grown-ups and especially parents, have a social responsibility that needs to be fulfilled.”

Also read:

Pupils join #FeesMustFall march

TMPD warns public about #FeesMustFall march

Students denied entry to UP

Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 0836254114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:

Rekord East

Rekord North

Rekord Centurion

Rekord Moot

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.