Bikers rally to help ‘iron girl’

Fun take on iconic event raises funds for prosthesis

With their tongue in-cheek take on the iconic Paris to Dakar Rally, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts set off on a Port Elizabeth to De Aar tour this morning to raise funds for Nelson Mandela Bay’s own “iron girl”.

Janecke Schuin, 10, lost her leg in a tragic freak accident a year ago.

Her resilience and determination to carry on with her life quickly earned her the nickname of Despatch’s “ystermeisie” (iron girl).

Riaan Knight, a clinical orthotist and prosthetist who has made a specialised sport leg for Janecke, said her first prosthesis worked fine and she could go back to school and walk around again.

“Janecke’s medical fund did not pay towards artificial limbs, but thankfully with financial donations received from the public she could be fitted with her first artificial limb some months ago,” Knight said.

“Her rehabilitation has been a great success. But her biggest dream was to get back on the sports field and play netball once again.”

Unfortunately, her standard walking prosthesis could not be used for sport due to the practical limitations of the components, Knight said.

“Sports prosthetics are made of special carbon fibre components manufactured to withstand high activity. The sport prosthesis also incorporates a special carbon fibre blade foot which absorbs shock,” he said.

“Through funds received from the Amputee Support Group, the IMB Adventure Tour and other fundraising events her dream has come true.

“Within two weeks of receiving her sport prosthesis, she was back at netball practice and she also finished a 5km fun walk without any problem.”

While a substantial amount has been raised, a lot more is needed to cover the full cost of the sport leg.

Janecke’s mom, Vicki, said the new leg had already made a world of difference to her daughter.

“Janecke received her sport leg on August 10. On the 12th, she took part in a 5km fun walk and did not need to rest even once,” she said.

“She is still struggling to run because I think her legs can’t quite remember how to do it. But I believe with more practice she will be fine.

“We received the new leg a bit late in the year so she hasn’t been able to play a netball game, but she practices with her team members.”

Brian Paddey, of the Amputee Support Group, said the PE to De Aar adventure was organised by Ian Meaker of IMB Adventure Motorcycle Tours.

He said they had raised R16 000 so far and hoped to raise R75 000, which is the cost of Janecke’s sport leg.

Knight said the PE to De Aar Tour was an annual event. Riders can contact Meaker at ian@imbfs.co.za to book space for next year.