Rasika

Rasika’s Story

I first met this young man, now aged 22, last October when I had a wheelchair that had been funded by someone to donate to a worthy person in Sri Lanka. He had lost both legs on the railway track.

The first time I went to the house he was not there but I was struck by how awful the living conditions were.

He has a 20 year old brother, 24 year old sister, and mother and father all living with him. World Vision had seen fit to build a very flash block built self contained shower and toilet within the original poor condition house – I was astounded, to put it mildly – in fact by the time I was back in the hotel I was furious – and I had’nt even met him!

The following day laden with food, fresh fish and vegetables I and 2 friends waded through thigh high monsoon waters to reach his house – he was in.

All of us were immediately taken with this charismatic young man – and he could speak VERY little English. I asked his sister if he had just one wish what it would be –

‘new legs Madam’

she whispered – I discretely swallowed my tears – here was a young man the same age as my son Jack, who is fit and healthy, he is good looking, clearly has many friends and yet he is denied the normal life of someone his age.

He was playing football in September 2006 with some friends on the train track near to his house. As the train noise is part and parcel of everyday life they are not alarmed by its clatter as it roars past. That fateful day, the train had no carriages and the noise would have been reduced. The engine would also have been travelling faster than normal – he misjudged running across the track!

Rasika spent 3 months in hospital.

Before his accident he was a welder – now he has NO job. He was the only source of income for the house. His father is too old and both his sister and younger brother are studying. His older sister is married. His mother has a very menial job working in a Dr’s private house bringing in a very low salary.

The family are all very thin but Rasika is quite well built and I suspect the others give him the Lion’s share of the food. I wrote about him in my Newsletter and someone from America has given me 4,000 pounds to built them a new house – someone else has pledged the money for the land too.

MCC gave me 4 tickets to attend the Test Match and I took him and his friend Charmika on the 22nd December - the last day!

The boys had a great time.

In the hotel later that day I was telling the Dive Shop owner about our day and just mentioned it would be great if Rasika could meet one of the players. He said that his friend was a cousin of Lasith Malinga he told me he would see if he could arrange a meet.

2 days later Malinga came to The Coral Sands where I was staying - I arranged for the boys to be bought to the hotel in secret.

He stayed around an hour chatting to the boys and said that when I had built the house he would come to the house opening ceremony. Big occasion in Sri Lanka! He readily signed 2 bats, a hat and a Sri Lankan cricket shirt.

I told him that I intended to auction them to make as much as possible for the family and hopefully for some new legs.

I did some research and took him to the limb centre which was supposed to be the very best place. The Director told me “of course you know that all disabled people lie” this was in response to me asking why they were surprised when he was upset that the legs they fitted him with were uncomfortable and broke within a week.

He had spent 3 months having daily physio for 4 hours each time and then they expected him to cope with legs that did not bend unless one bent down and unlocked the knee, took a pace and then locked it again. THEN do the same with the other leg. It was like Mickey Mouse land. The physiological damage it must have caused will remain untold I am sure………………………………………………………………

BUT I want to try and get him new legs. I contacted my friend Roger Allsopp on my return and he promised to help me.

He has made contact with the Dorset Orthopaedic Clinic…………… www.dorset-ortho.co.uk

Basically I have to find 22,000 for the legs

Money for physio Accommodation x 2

Visas and passports x 2 as I will need to bring his friend with him for moral support if nothing else – he speaks a little English.

Flights x 2

My guess is a round total of 28,000/30,000 thousand pounds !!

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What has he gone through? 

Rasika’s Diary

29th April

Prasad arrived at The Corals Sands at 7.15am ready for the journey to Colombo.

Darsharna joined us and we had a very amusing trip with Darsh telling us some funny stories several of which were captured on video by Poppy Byrom and Hannah Riley – the 2 girls who had accompanied me to Sri Lanka to work on our projects but also help me take him back to the UK.

The journey went without a hitch – a quick loo break at McDonalds! and soon we were there!

Darsh came into the terminal with us and after saying our goodbyes we went through to departures.

Straight up to the Fly Smiles lounge and we all managed to get in!

Rasika did not seem fazed at all and after a quick visit to the loo we left for the departure lounge.

We were boarded first and ended up in a perfect row - 21 – Solly will be pleased! I had the 2 window seats and the girls and Rasika had the middle 4.  We sat Rasika on the aisle for ease of movement.

The flight went passed really smoothly and the girls were fantastic they gave Rasika a Geography lesson, a lesson on the money differences and they challenged him to Uno – he won! …………… having never played it before!!

Arrival at Heathrow was at 8.30pm and we were met by a girl who took us straight through Immigration with not so much as a flicker and straight for the bags.

We had arrived into 16% and a beautiful sunset – great start and Rasika had loved being by the window and watching everything intently.

Outside we all managed to squish into a London cab driven by a maniac – luckily we were all in good humor and although Poppy had to sit on the bags facing backwards and Hannah virtually had to sit on Rasika’s lap we managed quite well.  We were thrown round each corner and at one stage the taxi left the ground when we ploughed through a roundabout and hit the kerb………..Poppy’s head nearly rendered the taxi a convertible – however we arrived in one piece – just - and he threw us out as he was ‘limited for time’ – charged us through the nose for the ride too – cheeky man!

Anyway we all decided that we were too tired to eat and retired to our beds.  The girls room was next to Rasika’s so we made an agreement that he could call any of us if he was in trouble.

April 30th

We met for breakfast which was enormous – and it set us up for the day, the girls soon departed as they were staying with Poppy’s brother in London so they could shop and party!

Rasika and I waited for Annemarie who was in England doing some training and horse shows.  She arrived at 11 and we set off for Ringwood.  Got there in record time and checked into the Moortown Lodge Guesthouse.  We had a little reccky and found the Clinic in readiness for tomorrow.

Popped into the David Lloyd tennis centre, which is next door very conveniently, and had some lunch.  Joy the owner of the Moortown had told me that a Sri Lankan man was staying with them.  I saw him arrive home from work and nabbed him before he went upstairs to his room.  He came over to the tennis centre and had a drink with us before we had dinner.  Back next door and we went to bed.  I was excited about the morning!  Wonder how Rasika is feeling?

1st May

Up early and Joy produced a huge meal – Poor Rasika is a little over-faced with the food I think.

Anyway we were soon on the road as we were collecting Anushka from Bournemouth – it turned out to be 15 mins drive away – really easy.  Anuska is the daughter of Siri, the owner of the Coral Sands Hotel where I stay in Sri Lanka.  She had agreed to be our interpreter!

We collected her from the station and she and Rasika chatted all the way to the clinic.

We had a very warm welcome from Val Woods who in turn introduced us to Kevin Shaw who was to be our man!

Anush turned out to be perfect as an interpreter and just pitched it right.  She was respectful, kind and explained things very carefully.

She was a huge bonus! 

Kevin started to explain things to us and Bob Watts, the owner of the clinic came in and introduced himself. 

He defiantly had a glint in his eye and asked if I thought the bionic legs might be an option – he thought Rasika had the right personality for them!  I said that we had a budget – he said something like well these things can be arranged……….,Kevin wondered if the cultural thing might be a problem but I said that there was a bit in me that agreed with Bob to the  extent that the bionic legs – or running legs as they are called would be something to be proud of.  ‘Yes I have no legs but these are better than yours’  - fair do’es they are DEFINATLY better than mine!

The disadvantage is that you cannot stand still on them you have to rock all the time………..the advantage………..you can become an Olympic champion………….in the words of Solly

‘reach for the moon and you may hit the stars!’……………all so much to take in………….

Kevin started his measuring and logging and then asked if we would like to go ahead and have the casts made this week…….Rasika was so up for it……….so we went for it.

Kevin was a lovely man and put all of us at our ease – he had a wonderful sense of humor and fun so there was a good deal of laughing………………………He started with the silicone sleeve

As he started to do the plaster of paris mould I told him he reminded me of Tony Hart with his white coat on.  I was dying to get my hands into the lovely squishy plaster!

Minutes later the first mould was set

He then very quickly did the other as well.  We had done 2 visits work in just one – result!

We made another appointment for the 14th and reconfirmed next weeks too and set off to take Anush home.

From Bournmouth we were quickly on the right road for the Airport at Eastleigh.

Annemarie stopped for a sarnie and a cuppa and then took off back to Reading as it was coming up to Bank Holiday weekend and the traffic was building a little.

We were called through to a special gate and while waiting we got chatting to a man who had a false leg!  He was lovely and very encouraging.

He gave Rasika a cap and lovely pair of sunglasses!

We were collected and put into a van with a lift.  Rasika was strapped to the floor in the chair and we zoomed over to the aircraft – first on

On the flight was a friend of mine Gill Stables so that was nice!

No problems with the flight and Rasika was put onto a lift to take him to the ground

In arrivals the girl said she would collect my bags and meet us outside! VIP treatment…….

Taxi and Nicky with the children were waiting………………the lovely taxi man took us to The Rocquettes Hotel and then would’nt take any payment for the trip! Aren’t people fab?

Nicky and I took Rasika to the room and sorted through everything like the water in the shower – it was on scorching hot – Rasika is used to cold water in the shower!

We met Vic in the bar and went though and had dinner in the posh dining room – eating bar food tho!

All knackered so we headed Rasika to his room and said goodnight.

Saturday 2nd May

I called for Rasika at 8.30am – he was not hungry so I wheeled him down the road – that was hairy – the chair is so light, I thought it was going to fly out of my hands!

We called at the allotment and saw Jim and Gary

Jim asked Rasika live on air how he would say ‘Hello’ Rasika replied ‘Hello”!  we all fell about laughing!

Home and I had an appointment to go to so gave Rasika the TV remote and left out some food for him.

While having my nails done I noticed the lady next to me with green polish and a Guernsey flag on her nails – me being nosey asked her why – she said she was going to the Murratti tomorrow – as her children were involved in football.  Carrie meantime was laughing – turned out the lady was Matt Warren’s mum – he is the Island footie Captain! Bingo – I said just the lady I need to speak to.  Asked her if she could tell me who to get some tickets from for Rasika.  She promised to speak to her son.  10 mins later he phoned me – I now am the proud owner of 3 tickets! Whoo hoo

He even said if they win they will have a pic of Rasika with the team and the cup!  They HAVE to win now!

I called Colin Fallaize to ask him if he would allow Rasika to use the Gym for a couple of months – he too was lovely and said he would try and come and speak with us tomorrow at the game – he is one of the coaches!

Next I called Jenny Froome to ask about the races on Monday – she gave me Bob Le Bargy’s number – so I called and we arranged to meet in the morning so he could give me a ticket and show us where we could park.

Sunday 3rd May

Raining this morning so I went to collect Rasika in the car.  A brief stop at home for a bowl of cereal and straight up to see Latha Daley

Who was lovely and we ironed out some of Rasika’s concerns – he does not like any sweet things! Chocolate, cakes etc.  She told him that he must tell me if he doesn’t like anything and it is not rude not to finish everything on the plate.  It was so nice of her and she really tried put him at ease.  He is being so polite and I told her to tell him that it is a lovely trait to have however he doesn’t need to be with me!

Latha gave him a jar and a half of sambol – he was very pleased!

I drove up to L’Ancresse and met Thady Griffith who gave me a badge to get into the Racing tomorrow.  We can take the car into the ground rather than walk from the other end of the common.

Came home and had a quick sarnie and then Gary arrived.  We popped the wheelchair in the car and drove straight into the ground.  Parked up and made our way to the stand where we had allocated seats – in the shade……brrrrr we sat just to the side in the sunshine.

There was a bonkers old chap dressed in a flowery shirt shorts and pumps who yelled at the top of his voice instructions that had NO relevance what so ever! 

It was a joke saying things like ‘put yer foot on it’ while the ball was 30 feet in the air! And ‘switch it’ which made no sense at all!  Funny for the first 10 mins and then intensely annoying!  Next I had a Jersey supporter standing behind me and he was kicking me in my behind, not deliberately, until I got fed up and Gary said something to him!  He was also swearing like a trooper – which was a shame as there were so many kids around!  Still the game was fun

 – shame that Jersey won 1-0 but the Guernsey boys gave it a good go!

Monday 4th

Hill climb bottom and then top

Tuesday 5th

Tommi and Nancy at the King Edward Hops

Unpacked the shipment with Hannah – came home and sorted out the various boxes.

Wednesday 6th

Up at the crack of dawn to get Rasika and get on the Specsavers flight to S’ton.  We were in a lovely little plane with 9 max on leather seats.

The pilot was lovely and Rasika managed the steps no problem.

So quick and easy and then a lovely lady called Shelia Maycock met us and took us to the guesthouse.

Joy allowed us to check in early and even gave us some breakfast too!

Vanessa Innes came and collected us after lunch and took us to her son’s school to discuss fundraising ideas and show them the bags too.

We had lunch at the David Lloyd centre and we watched the cricket while eating.

Back for an early night.

Thursday 7th

Vanessa drove us to the clinic and Anushka was already there waiting.

Kevin bought in the legs and Rasika was up and walking before you could say boo.  Kev had to adjust them several times but it all seemed to go well.

Mitch and Rita, friends of Irene and david’s collected us and took us to their house for lunch and the rest of the day.  They were an extremely nice couple.

Taxi came and drove us to the Signature hanger where we waited for

the flight home.  We were in the air barely 25 mins.  I was exhausted so poor Rasika must have been shattered.

I ordered tea in his room as I thought we both needed an early night.

Friday 8th

Collected Rasika and drove to Olympus Sports.  Nigel Hurford very kindly donated 2 pairs that Rasika chose.  The Press came to take a pic and do a story.  Just as we were leaving Nigel gave Rasika a Brazil shirt –  No 10 - he had asked him who his favourite team were!  As we got in the car Rasika told me that when he played football he played as no 10! Wow – spooky…………………

Next appointment was at the Fitness Factory with Tommi – a trainer called Tim showed us what was available and Tommi and he discussed what should be done.  Latha had come also to do the translation which was of course an enormous help.

Nicky and the children came for tea – Thea and Sam were here too so we had a Chinese take away!  Not too sure that Rasika was impressed.

9th Liberation Day

I did a stall – Rasika was collected by Hannah and Poppy and they bought him to meet Nicky.  He watched the Extreme sports and then Shennie doing her cheerleading.  She bought him over to see us on the stall and then they went back up the hill on the bus. Good level of access for the wheelchair!

11th Gym session – Latha came to interpret.

Physio at the King Edward – we went to Speccies to collect the Chelsea scarf that John Hughes had given Rasika.

Dinner at Lyn’s – she had done an amazing curry!

12th Poppy and Hannah took Rasika swimming at the Rocquettes.

13th May Gym appointment – Hannah collected him from the hotel and then delivered him back to me. 

We met Rog at the airport and flew out with no delays! Hired a car and set off for Ringwood.

Met Vanessa and her husband Nigel and we went for dinner at an Indian restaurant in Ringwood.

14th May went for a drive around the countryside – which is lovely and then arrived at the Clinic in the pouring rain!  Anushka was there too.  Kevin bought in the new sockets for Rasika to try and they seemed to be a better fit.  Although there was still adjustment needed around the tops! I was glad Rog was there to discuss the merits of the running legs against the run of the mill ones! David Hills came to meet us as did Bob Watts the owner.

Flew back and made 3 attempts at the runway! Fog – on the 3rd attempt made it in from the other end – phew!!

15th May Gary took us to meet a couple called Murshid and Koreen – they have a jewelry shop in town.  Seemed very nice and wanted to be of help saying Rasika could go to the shop etc during the week for company.  Physio at the King Edward with Nancy and Tomi – exercises on the mat – given a sponge roll to use to aid this and it can also be used in the swimming pool.  Latha kindly came again.

16th May

Gary Ward collected Rasika for the morning. Shan had bought him loads of bits at the supermarket.  I met them and Mark at Sula and we spent the afternoon looking through the pictures! Wow what a choice to have to make………..

Took Rasika to the hotel as he is going to Latha’s for dinner tonight.

17th May

We showed Mamma Mia the film at St James – Rasika must have thought we were all stark raving bonkers!  It was great fun and Jenny and Jayne did a fab job as Fabba!

18th May

Physio at the King Edward Hosp.  All going well Nancy did exercises with Rasika and lent us a special seat for him to practise balancing on!  Rasika went to Murshid’s shop and came home with a necklace he had made.

20th May

To the UK – I went to collect Rasika at 6am from the hotel and something made me go up to his room – he was still in the shower thinking we were leaving at 6.30am! Arggggggh.  I drove like a mad woman and we made it just in time for another trip on the Specsavers plane.

Thursday 21st

Rasika’s new test legs were ready and he walked in them in the morning.  We did not have Anushka this time and so we managed on our own.  There was a problem in the afternoon and he could not get the right leg on – we came away and I could see that he was frustrated.  I could’nt explain that it was not a problem so I called Murshid and he tried to explain.  Nonetheless I am sure he felt a little down. 

Friday 22nd

10am Physio and Rasika managed to get the legs on with a little manouvering.  We had to go into the corridor as the room was full and we managed to turn the place into chaos.  Murshid came to translate and made things much easier.  Dropped them both down to Murshid’s shop in town.  Murshid is going to train him how to make the jewelry!

Saturday 23rd

Gary took Rasika on his boat over to Jethou.  Rasika into Murshid’s shop again,. Koreen called me and said that they really wanted to help him set up his own business.  They had taken on board what I had said about wanting to get Rasika some sort of jewelry training experience.

Sunday 24th

Monday 25th

Rasika went to the shop to learn more about necklaces and the way to make them – then Murshid and his wife took him for a BBQ on the beach – Fazal also went down too.

Tuesday 26th

Physio at the King Edward – Rasika walked for ages in the bars and seemed to take the step up and down in his stride too!

Poppy and Hannah went swimming at the Rocquettes with him.

Wednesday 27th

Out early to UK on the Specsavers plane and we were met at the hanger by Vanessa and her father David and son James.  The plan was to go to Lasham so Rasika could go gliding – however the rain had other ideas! 

We arrived at the club and were just ordering breakfast and there was a tap on my shoulder! Guess who………….Solly …………..he had come on the overnight ferry to surprise us! He is mad……..he even bought Superman with him so he could be photographed in a glider!

We managed to see the gliders close up and Rasika sat in the cockpit of one.  He didn’t seem to worry too much that he did not go up in the air.  The rain had really set in.  We then drove to Oidum to see Richard Collyer in his office.  We all went for lunch at a nice bistro next door.

Thursday 28th

Clinic and after a couple of minor adjustments Kevin thought he had nearly got things to a good level of comfort.

We took Solly to Poole so he could catch his ferry and then arrived at the Airport with 2 hours to spare.

Friday 29th  Rasika’s 24th Birthday

Physio at the King Ed in the morning – R did 30 mins on his legs and sweated buckets!  He did really well – Win was very pleased with him.

He was so keen to go to the shop again and I collected him just before Annette Brehaut came to give him his first English Lesson!  She stayed for an hour and just got to know him really.

At 7pm a few people came to wish Rasika a Happy Birthday.

Nicki and Vic with Niall and Shennie, Shan and Gary, Poppy and Hannah, Rob and Jude, Murshid and Koreen, Colleen, Solly and me.  Nic had bought him a choccie cake from M&S and he blew out the candles!

He had a lovely watch from Gary and Shan and loads of clothes from the rest of us!  Vanessa Innes sent him £20.  Murshid and Koreen gave him a starter kit of tools for the jewelry.

Sat 30th

Straight into the shop for the morning and then I collected him for a 2 hour English lesson with Annette in the afternoon.

Back to the hotel and Lindz Gill had arranged to collect him to take him to the Doghouse to see a band.

Sunday 31st

Rasika had a great time last night and did not go to bed till 12.30 he really enjoyed the band and Lindz’s friends too.

Gary arranged to collect Rasika from my house as I had to be at the Gallery all day.  He took him on the motorbike and they went up to Chouet Tearooms.  Shan gave him some tea and then came to collect the wheelchair.

Monday 1st June

Physio and Nancy said that Rasika could now walk at home with the crutches but I would need to have someone else there to start with.

He is doing so well and I think is very pleased with the results although he wants more – quickly – I can really understand that!

Tuesday 2nd June

Physio with Nancy first and then Martyn to try and address the back and shoulder problems Rasika has.  He was given a series of excercises to do to stretch out the tight muscle and sinew in his neck.

Back in the shop for a while and then another English lesson with Annette.

Wednesday 3rd June

Collected Rasika and then Murshid from his house.  First time for Murshid on a private plane!  Also apparently his first time to watch a live cricket match!

The lovely staff at the Signature hanger drove us to Eastleigh Airport.  This was to be the start of me really finding out just how hard it is for people in wheelchairs – the reality is most people are wonderful – some are rude and selfish and getting around on public transport would challenge the patience of a saint – and I aint no saint!

Train to Waterloo – No problem – I was feeling really good at this point – even if I had had NO sleep because of my hayfever – my eyes have bags under them you could do  a weekly shop in!

Off at Waterloo and some bright spark suggested we try the underground and not a taxi – I should explain at this point the spark was ME however the bright bit does not apply!

Oh the cab firm is just down the road – down the road – a bit more a bit more – oh and forgot to say it was across the VERY busy road – oh and forgot to mention it is not a cab firm just some bloke driving a car for cash – doh – didn’t see the sign on top – oh well – Murshid said they would be cheaper – let him just TRY and be more expensive – let him just try……………..dont know what price it SHOULD be but hey nobody is perfect!  Anyway it was quite a long way and he charged £8 so – result!

Into Lords with no problems and the tickets had been left as promised……….5 in fact!

We hung around waiting for Paul Farbrace – he was really busy with the team and their warm up but came over for a quick chat and photo.  Murshid had bought 2 mini wooden bats and he and Rasika tried to get as many signatures as they could!

Jack arrived in the nick of time and we found our seats in the posh section right next to the Pavillion!  The teams were sitting the other side of the Pavillion to us!

The match was 3 hours with Sri Lanka batting first – things did not go too well and they scored 109 in the allotted time.  Things hotted up considerably when Sri Lanka were fielding and Malinger bowled 2 and caught another out,  which was a fine haul for him.  It was so close and at the end there was only 3 to 4 runs in it – however SA won!

Paul Farbrace bought over the Captain and………and also Brendan Kurrupu the Team Manager for photos and a chat.,

I also managed to get Rasika the signature of the West Indies Captain and Kevin Peterson from the England side – although I had no idea who he was! oops