Dream is to walk again

Ten months after major brain surgery, accident victim Viarshan Naidoo's dream of being able to walk again is close to being realised.

Naidoo, 24, received R1-million in sponsorship from Flora Clinic and Silverstar Casino to undergo cranioplasty - surgery to correct the skull and remove pressure on the brain - as the main recipient of last year's 94.7 Highveld Stereo Christmas Wish List.

On Friday, he demonstrated his progress to his sponsors and members of the radio team at an end-of-year party held at the casino.

Naidoo, an aeronautical engineering student who was two subjects away from completing his degree, was the victim of a hit-and-run accident on Malibongwe Drive in Randburg in March 2009.

After being rushed to Flora Clinic, he underwent a craniotomy, an operation to remove a bone from his brain. He was in an induced coma for two months.

Afterwards he couldn't walk, speak clearly or look after himself as he suffered neurological damage that left his left arm and leg paralysed.

Viarshan's parents, Anusha and Vasie Naidoo, are thrilled with his progress following the second operation, which took place in January. "He can stand already and has made a vow to me that he will be walking by next year," said Vasie.

The family, originally from Lenasia, have moved to Auckland Park to be closer to Viarshan's rehabilitation centre. "Silverstar Casino has been so generous that Viarshan gets his treatment at home. Our new home is big enough for all the equipment," said Anusha. "He was so active and full of life, and enjoyed clubbing with his friends. All I pray for is that he can recover so he can lead a full life again."

Ravi Naidoo, Highveld Stereo's station manager, said: "It is inspirational to see Viarshan's progress a year later. We at Highveld were merely a catalyst but the reality is that his supportive family has been fundamental in his recovery."

Venetia Howes, marketing manager for Silverstar Casino, said wish recipients became part of the family. "They visit us at the casino often."