There is light at the end the tunnel for Dembe Mawela (5) of Dopeni village, whose story was covered by Mirror in last week’s edition.

We received countless calls from concerned community members who wanted to help the bedridden Dembe, who cannot do anything for herself. Dembe was born on 28 July 2001, but was attacked by hydrocephalus when she was only three months old. Her head began to bulge and doctors drained water from her head. Since then, she has been bedridden and her head has been disfigured.

Her mother, Mavis Tshivhenga (32), said she has been battling with Siloam Hospital for three years to acquire a wheelchair for her beloved daughter, with no success. She then approached Mirror for help. Before printing Dembe’s story last week, we tried to get comment from the hospital, but there was no one available to speak to us.

The very same morning when the paper hits the streets, we received an invitation from the communication officer of Siloam Hospital, Mr Kutelani Sigidi, who invited us to join him when he interviewed the family. Sigidi thanked Mirror for publishing Dembe’s plight. He said there was a communication breakdown between the mother of the child and the hospital. "When I checked our files, I discovered that the child was last seen by the hospital two years ago. There were no contact numbers for the mother on the file, but we are happy that Mirror has assisted us in tracking down the mother."

Sigidi said the child will now go for an official assessment, which will then recommend what steps to take next. He also said that the child is on the list of those who must get a buggy wheelchair and the hospital will do its best to speed up the process. "I will comment more after the official assessment. We have taken this matter very seriously, and that is why I have put aside everything to come and visit the family."

Dembe’s mother, Mavis Tshivhenga (32), said she was very happy that there was hope for her child. "I just want to see my child play like others and I pray for her every day. Thank you, Mirror, a thousands times and my deep gratitude to Mr Sigidi who came to assist me personally."

Community members who would like to assist can call Mavis at 073 218 2040 or alternatively visit Mavis and her child at Dopeni village, near Tshikombani, on the western side of Dombo Scrap yard.