For Swartrand farmer, it is business as usual on his new legs

Barbara de Lange (left), the Branch Manager of Hollard Insurance in Mariental, recently visited one of her favourite clients, Alfie Truter (in wheelchair) accompanied by the insurer’s Regional Manager, Pieter von Wielligh to check on Truter’s progress following an unforeseen accident on his farm near Maltahöhe.

“We decided to play our part in his future, ensuring that he can still live the life that he envisaged. So we bought him a brand new wheelchair for N$32,000 because we understand that no matter what happened or how tragic it might be, a simple act of kindness can carry even the heaviest burden and provide hope where before it was dwindling” said de Lange.

Reflecting on the gracious gesture, von Wielligh said “In the world today it is normal to sometimes take for granted the everyday routines we follow, whether it be walking through a shopping mall, taking the dog for a walk or simply being able to stand and watch your children play a school sport. Some of us do not have that luxury, some of us rely on others to assist us to get to where we need to be.”

Truter became paralyzed after running into misfortune while on one of his farming errands. As a farmer, he relied on the strength of his body, and his mobility to run his farming operation. After the accident everything changed, the reality of the physical constraints were overwhelming and he was only able to continue because of his love for farming and his strong spirit.

“Hollard always tries to make a difference where it matters the most, with actions aimed at generating the best possible results for a sustainable outcome on a large scale. This was different, as this was a man in need of a wheelchair, a man who refused to let the tragedy of that day determine the future that he had planned for himself and his family” stated de Lange.

“Alfie is still a farmer, a father, a husband and a man with goals that require courage and strength to achieve. We are proud to know that we have helped him to hold onto his dreams” she said.