Durban - The past few months have been traumatic for six-year-old Shaka’s Rock resident Goodenough Mcineka.
He was hit by a motorist in May while walking to school with his twin brother and sister, Siphiwe and Zanele Mhlongo, and sustained a broken leg and severe head injuries that kept him out of school for the rest of the year.
Mcineka was airlifted on an IPSS helicopter from the scene of the accident, but the severity of his injuries meant he had no recollection of the events surrounding the crash.
His fighting spirit endeared him to medical rescue staff, who visited him during his long recuperation, first in hospital and later at home.
And on Christmas Eve he got a present he would remember for a long time, when IPSS Medical Rescue staff treated him and his siblings to a helicopter ride.
According to his family, he was unable to contain his joy when he was told he was going to fly in a helicopter.
On Thursday the little boy was the star of the show, posing with medical rescue personnel before hopping aboard the helicopter with his brother and sister.
Of his experience he said: “I am so happy. It was so nice seeing all the small people play at the beach and to see the big blue sea. I am so glad that I got to share it with my brother and sister. I want to go on the helicopter again one day and maybe also fly one.”
IPSS Medical Rescue spokewoman, Samantha Meyrik, said it had always been their intention to surprise Goodenough with a chopper ride. “We waited until he was well enough to get the most out of the surprise. This has brought him such happiness after his ordeal.
“Goodenough is such a warm, friendly child. IPSS is trying to raise sponsorship to pay for further surgery as an injury to one of his legs was not detected during the initial surgery after his accident.”
Parents Wiseman Mcineka and Mpume Mhlongo said they could not thank IPSS enough for what they had done, and continue to do, for their son.
“They have given my children the best Christmas gift one could have imagined.
“We are truly thankful. They have been with Goodenough through this tragic time and helped ease his pain through these kind gestures,” said Mcineka.
Clinton Moodley, Sunday Tribune