Warners raises R26 000 for Willow

At a special assembly for Toti’s little burn victim, Willow Malan, her parents Lorna and Jan were presented with over R26,000 raised from Warner Beach Prep pupils selling raffle tickets.

Willow was scalded with hot water 20 days after her second birthday in April, after she pulled at the cord of a kettle and the water doused the right side of her face and body. She sustained first, second and third degree burns to her face, ear and arm.

Her recovery has not been easy. Burn victims wear pressure garments while their scars heal and Willow has to keep hers on for up to 13 hours a day, for more than a year.

“We have been having such struggles with the garment,” said Lorna. “Willow is actually afraid of the garment, she puts up such a fight whenever we have to put it on.”

The surgeon is overall happy with her progress, but her ear is still of concern to her parents as she cannot wear a garment over it, as it will cause flattening. If the skin becomes raised, she will have to endure three cortizone injections.

“Fortunately her hair is growing back where it was shaved off, so it has started to cover her ear which is a plus when she is in the sun – another issue we are dealing with.

Willow is not allowed in the sun and she loves being outdoors. I bought a UPF 40 costume which blocks more than 97,5% of UV radiation. She absolutely loves nature and adores water, so this has been a help.”

With the summer months approaching, Willow is having an extra hard time with the garment, because it makes her so hot and uncomfortable. “Please keep our precious little girl in your prayers for the next few very hot months that will be coming up. I pray God will give her peace and the ability to cope.”

To aid the family financially, Warner Beach Prep generously offered to help them fundraise by hosting a raffle on Willow’s behalf.

Grade three pupil, Geoffrey Wiggel was awarded a trophy for selling the most raffle tickets in the junior and senior campuses.

“We are privileged to be a part of the Warners family,” said Lorna at the assembly. “We thank each pupil who sold tickets and their parents, the teachers for ensuring the forms were brought in on time and the principal Mr Maiden.”

On Monday the total was sitting at R15,000, but with last-minute forms being included, the figure jumped up to R26, 203 by Friday morning.
“Warners is a special school with big hearts,” said Kevin Maiden in thanking the pupils. “It’s been amazing – I am proud of us. It always feels good to do something nice for someone else. We look forward to seeing Willow’s progress.”