Generous readers help to ease paralysed boy's misery

Sharjah: Young Mohammad Shoaib's mother is a grateful and relieved woman. Her paralysed son has finally got a special electronic bed and a wheelchair.

Fatima said the public response that followed the Gulf News report on the Pakistani boy's plight last week was overwhelming.

"The same day that Gulf News published our story, I received a wheelchair from my daughter's teacher," Fatima said. "A bank in Dubai donated the bed that Shoaib needed."

Many other readers also offered to help Fatima and her son. Readers from different nationalities approached Gulf News and Al Kuwait hospital to help Shoaib.

Shoaib, who turned 15 last week, has been paralysed and in a coma since the age of 11 following an accident at school.


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Fathima exlained that Shoaib suffered severe brain damage after a football was kicked into the back of his neck during a game at school.

"I used to pray day and night for strength so I can help my boy. I am overjoyed now because my son has a good bed and wheelchair at home," she said.

"With the help of Gulf News readers, I can now buy the vitamins Shoaib needs," Fatima added.

Fatima added she never lost hope and her faith in Allah all through the ordeal.

"I keep telling Shoaib that life is great and there are people who love him and care about him," the mother said.

Fatima wants her son to remain strong through this crisis and she believes he will lead a normal life again.

"I am sure Shoaib can hear and understand me, but he cannot talk to me," she said. "I long to hear his voice. This is my only wish."

"People's kindness has given me the strength to help my son," she said.

"I want to give him my health, my sight and every breath I take. I am only longing to see him looking into my eyes and calling me mom," Fatima said.

She added that Shoaib's 15th birthday last week was a very special occasion this year.

"I used to bake a small birthday cake for Shoaib at home every year since his accident. I used to sit alone next to his bed in the hospital. This year I was too busy to bake the cake, as many people came to see him and help him," Fatima said.

A tearful Fatima never tires of expressing her gratitude to all the people who came to see and help her son.

She said that a number of school children visited her son and donated money.

"I am grateful to every one who supported my son emotionally and financially. I will never forget their generosity," she added.

"Gulf News readers have a made a difference in my life. They have given me hope that the future will be better for my beloved boy," she said.

Fatima added that her son loved birds and pigeons. "Now that I have some money I can buy him a parrot as a gift," she said.

Fatima, who has lived in the UAE for many years, said that she has never visited any other place.

Now that Shoaib has a wheelchair, Fatima plans to take him to the seaside with her.