FROM FLAMES TO HOPE

A HEINZ Park activist is appealing to people to assist a neighbour with medical bills after sustaining multiple burn injuries.

Tashreeq Perry, 29, a gender-based violence activist previously made headlines in Daily Voice when he stepped in as a midwife in the community.

However, this time he is shedding light on a young boy who needs funds for his medical expenses after a fire ripped through his informal settlement home in Heinz Park on 7 September 2024.

Tashreeq told the Daily Voice when the flames erupted, teen Iptiyaaz Solomons was trapped inside the house, causing so much damage that steam rose from his burnt body

He explained: “I went back to my house to fetch a blanket and covered him in the road while waiting for the paramedics. He sustained approximately 95 percent burn injuries. He was in so much pain it looked like his skin was melting wax.

“Iptiyaaz was admitted to Tygerberg Hospital burn unit from September to November last year after his body was left in a horrible state as he was burnt beyond recognition.”

Despite the horrific incident, Ipityaaz’s spirit remains unbroken and still hopes to one day become a cop or law enforcement officer to care and provide for his family, as his father passed away some years ago.

While he has shown remarkable resilience, he is still at risk of infections. 

Perry has created a BackaBuddy account appealing to the public or good samaritian to assist with his medical treatment, which include plastic surgery and consultations with an ENT specialist.

Tashreeq added that Ipityaaz has been required to wear a thick second skin which he needs to wear on his body and a face mask.

Tashreeq said: “I want to see him smile and be happy, because I feel that the community has turned a blind eye to his situation.

“Iptiyaaz’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for strength and resilience. 

“Despite everything he’s been through, he remains a bright and determined young boy. With your support, Iptiyaaz can overcome this challenge and go on to live a happy and fulfilling life.”

He appealed to the public to support the BackaBuddy saying that any donation would bring them closer to his goal of recovery.

Please visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-iptiyaaz-solomons to donate.