Beach outing for Knysna Epilepsy SA

Gallery Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Residents of the Epilepsy SA South Cape / Karoo Centre wrapped up their National Epilepsy Week celebrations with a visit to the beach on Thursday 11 February. It marked the first time, other than the Christmas break, that they've been out of the centre since the start of lockdown last year.

The lockdown has taken a toll on the residents - especially since their movements have been more restricted than the average citizen.

"We've had to keep the residents in the centre throughout every level of lockdown, purely for their own safety," said centre director Lee-Anne van den Bergh. "We've also not been able to permit visitors, again for the safety of the residents."

On 8 February the centre welcomed its first visitors in nearly a year as members of the public stopped by to cheer the residents on during their 'Big Walk' for International Epilepsy Day's 50 Million Steps initiative.

Photo gallery: Beach outing for Epilepsy Centre residents

Shaun Windell splashes water at a fellow resident while having fun at the beach.

On Wednesday 10 February, the annual candle-lighting ceremony took place and the knowledge that they would be visiting the beach the next day made the excitement tangible.

When they gathered at the Green Hole on Leisure Isle on 11 February, they could spread their wings and enjoy the beautiful sunshine and fresh air.

"They were all so happy to be back out and about, there were smiles on the faces of every one of our residents," said Van den Bergh. "It was awesome to see everybody having so much fun on the beach, and it was the perfect end to our National Epilepsy Week celebrations."

André van Tonder and Brendan Maguire enjoy some downtime in the shade. Photos: Blake Linder