A few weeks ago in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain a fire claimed the lives of eight people including small children of the Minnies family. Sixteen year old, Lance Minnies, who had survived the fire, sustained ninety-nine percent burns and is currently receiving skin graft treatment at a local hospital. A fund raising campaign was set-up to assist the family with Lance’s recovery.

Speaking to VOC, Rita Minnies said Lance had been recovering nicely, when she received news that his leg is infected and he will be returning to the ICU. Upon learning this Minnies, was unable to go to the hospital due to the lack of transport funds. She now reaches out to the community for help.

“I’m reaching out to the community to help me with some funds to do things for him as well. He is so brave and trying really to uplift himself and to get well again,” says Minnies.

The funds would go towards transport and any unforeseen medical caring costs.

Minnies says that the tragedy has only begun sinking in.

She says that as a result of the trauma Lance is experiencing nightmares and cries uncontrollably.

“There are some things he is still frightened about and is not the same Lance. He is very soft now and is scared to talk,” Minnies explains.

As the experience has debilitated the function of the family, Minnies urges the community to assist her and her family in the challenging period.

For more information and assist, contact Rita Minnies on: 0635608272. Alternatively, visit her at 57 Zebra Crescent, Eastridge, Mitchells Plain.

VOC (Ammarah  Qureshi)