Mom celebrates son with helicopter matric prom entrance, after overcoming adversity

AFTER a life-changing spinal injury in 2023, Demais Pillay’s mother orchestrated a breathtaking helicopter entrance for his prom, celebrating his resilience and recovery.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER [e-mail]

Demais, 18, a Carter High School mattic pupil, from Pietermaritzburg, suffered an accident at his school’s fun day in Grade 11.

His mother Lorenda Vincent, a businesswoman, said her son was meant to complete matric last year, but the injury set him back a year.

“He was 16 years old at the time. He participated in a game at the fun day where he was dunked into a tank of water. Unfortunately, he fell into the tank in an awkward way and hurt his spine.

“Demais could not walk for many months. He was in a bad way emotionally as he felt his life had come to a standstill. My son has been through a lot since the accident. He struggled, but through his strong mind and with rehabilitation, he recovered. We opted out of surgery but he was still healed,” said Vincent.

She said Demais was at home for three months and had to prove to his school that he could not attend nor write his exams.

However, he persevered and finished Grade 11 last year, she said.

Vincent said with the love and support from his family, Demais started walking again, seven months after his accident.

“The reason we gave him a grand entrance at his prom was because he deserved it. He deserved to celebrate his determination and resilience. During his recovery period, he weighed only 20kg. As a mother it was heartbreaking to see my son in such a devastating situation,” said Vincent.

She said Demais had a tough few years in his life.

“My son only started speaking when he was 4 years old due to a speech delay. Later on in school because he was reserved and quiet, he was bullied. Yet, he is such a loving and kind child.