Litha overjoyed at receiving comfortable new wheelchair

An East London teen was unable to contain her joy when she was presented with a custom-made wheelchair on Tuesday.

Cerebral palsy sufferer Litha Soldati, 17, from Amalinda, had been using an old wheelchair, which could not accommodate her properly.

But thanks to funds raised at the SPAR Daily Dispatch Fun Run in September 2019, Litha is now the proud owner of a new wheelchair, which cost almost R27,000.  

Receiving her “new wheels” at the Daily Dispatch offices in Beacon Bay on Tuesday, Litha was the picture of happiness. Asked whether she was happy with her gift, she nodded excitedly.

Phozisa Mhlambiso, Litha’s caregiver from the Canaan Care Centre in Southernwood, described the teen as a happy person.

Mhlambiso said: “The wheelchair she had before was like the normal ones. It was difficult for her to sit in when eating. As a result, we would have to transfer her to a sofa where she could be comfortable.

“With this (new) one, her life will be much easier as it accommodates all her needs and can support her body well.”

Speaking on behalf of the sweethearts Foundation, the organisation responsible for looking for a suitable recipient of the donation, Glynis Butler thanked SPAR and the Dispatch.

“Without the support of corporates like SPAR and the Daily Dispatch, our foundation would not be able to assist those in need,” she said.

SPAR purchasing manager Alan Stapleton wished Litha well and said he hoped she would enjoy her new wheels.

Dispatch general manager Ryan Megaw thanked all those who had participated, as well as the fun run sponsors.

“For the fun run, R10 from every entry goes towards supporting someone in this region with a specialised wheelchair. We are very proud to be associated with the sweethearts Foundation,” he said.