After five years in a wheelchair, Patrick got to stand beside his family once again, thanks to a community that was determined to see him reclaim his mobility, independence and begin a whole new chapter.
eMpophomeni, South Africa (19 October 2026) – After the life-altering experience of losing both his legs to amputation and being confined to a wheelchair five years ago, many things could have gone through Patrick’s mind. Thankfully, despair didn’t outstay its welcome.
When Travis Warwick-Oliver, an amputee himself and founder of Rejuvenate SA, learned about Patrick’s story, it set in motion a long yet beautiful journey to help him stand again.
After meeting Patrick at his home in eMpophomeni, the team learned about his story and the struggles he had faced. This led to a year of negotiations, proposals, hard work and dedication from the entire Rejuvenate SA team, together with the team at Grobbelaar Cass Inc.
In July this year, Patrick received a brand-new wheelchair that was far better suited to his physical needs. This also marked the beginning of the next phase of the journey: building Patrick his new legs as Rejuvenate SA’s first double above-knee prosthetic patient.
It wasn’t going to be an easy road, but Travis and his team were confident that, in the years ahead, Patrick would be standing tall, walking with confidence and back at work doing what he loves.
Several months later, that dream is coming to fruition.
After raising funds by participating in the gruelling 2025 Absa Cape Epic, directors Luvan Cass and Travis Warwick-Oliver took on one of the toughest mountain-bike races in the world. Their efforts, together with the generosity of a remarkable family, raised enough money to begin building Patrick’s very first set of legs!
Then, on 13 October, after months of planning, strategising, fundraising and building, the long-awaited day arrived: Patrick was fitted with his new prosthetics and, for the first time in five years, stood up!
It was an emotional moment for everyone who helped make it happen, but especially for Patrick, a resilient man who has endured more than most of us could imagine and still kept moving forward. As the Rejuvenate SA team put it:
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Stellies Car Guard Welly Gets His Wheels!“Patrick, seeing that smile on your face after standing for the first time in five years today is exactly why we do what we do. Emotions were high, with a few tears shed and memories made in eMpophomeni that will last a lifetime. Patrick, this is only the beginning! We’ll see you again in two weeks, hopefully taking those next steps walker-free!”
Patrick’s journey with Rejuvenate SA is a touching rehabilitation success story on regaining mobility and independence. This is more than a set of legs; it is the beginning of a whole new chapter for Patrick.
Sources: Rejuvenate SA
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