Cape Town – The Easter bunny did not only deliver eggs but a new bed, TV and food to a man who was left paralysed from the neck down during a freak diving accident.
Two weeks ago, the Daily Voice brought you the heart-wrenching story of Ricardo Julies, 39, of Bonteheuwel who was left bedridden and was left to fend for his children aged six, seven-year-old twins, eight and a 14-year-old.
Ricardo is cared for by his cousin Carmen Julies, 35.
Ricardo had attempted to dive into a pool from the jetty at Harmony Park resort in Strand six years ago, but the water was too shallow.
Ricardo, who was paralysed after a freak accident, was given a television, a new bed and food. Picture: Supplied
He was instantly paralysed.
Ricardo and his wife Rene Julies, 38, have been estranged since after the accident.
Rene admitted to the Daily Voice she took to the bottle after the accident and left the children with Ricardo.
She also said she is eager to make a change in her life.
Ricardo told readers he was in desperate need of a specialised mattress, which is known as a “ripple” mattress, used to keep bedsores away.
He also needed a new TV and food, among other necessities.
At the weekend, Ward councillor Angus McKenzie visited the family’s home and delivered Easter eggs to residents as well as a new mattress and TV for Ricardo.
Ricardo’s old mattress was tattered and torn and his children were forced to sleep on duvet covers on metal frames.
A relative donated new mattresses for the children.
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“We took the ripple mattress and television to his home after receiving the items as donations during our appeal for help,” said the man, who asked to remain anonymous.
“I also visited the family’s home on Easter morning and gave the children in the street Easter eggs."
“We want to thank the communities for their overwhelming effort in helping Ricardo and his family.”
Food items were also delivered to the family’s home last week after donations were received from the community.
Carmen says they are grateful for the donation and wants to thank the Daily Voice for the assistance.
“We want to thank the Daily Voice for being the platform in helping us,” she says.
“Ricardo is well and is happy to have received the new mattress.
“We also want to thank the communities from Mitchells Plain to Pretoria for reaching out to us.”