BAD TIMING !
David Little, long-time Secretary of KAA, was invited to attend his Teachers' Training College at Loughborough in U.K. (with many other former students) to be awarded an Honorary B.Sc. degree on Dec. 15. Just prior to travelling, he developed an infection which spread to his left leg. (In January 2009 he had received a total knee replacement in the same leg, following which he had had no problem.) Nevertheless, perhaps foolishly, he decided to continue with his "once-in-a-lifetime" arrangements. Using a wheelchair and the help of many airline and other staff he managed to get to Loughborough on time. Unfortunately the infection of his leg required emergency treatment and, instead of receiving a degree, David found himself on an operating table having his knee opened and cleaned out. His sister (living in UK) received the degree on his behalf, so the trip was not completely wasted or frustrated.
Since December 15, David has been in UK, for five weeks in hospital, recovering. Seven weeks of anti-biotics and rest and good food and many crosswords later, he now has a date for the second major operation which should complete his treatment. This is timed for April 8th. The surgeon requires an overview for a further six weeks. Thus David anticipates being able to fly after May 20th.
UP-DATE.
The situation now (May 10) is that there will be a "final" consultation with the surgeon on May 20. David intends to push for final release and the OK to fly. It is difficult at the moment, four weeks after surgery, to get around. He has been living on his own, cooking, cleaning, etc. for the past two weeks. Physiotherapy continues but is having little beneficial effect in increasing flexibility of the knee. Thus it is not yet possible to walk without crutches. Travel by taxi is necessary for major shopping, but he is walking wherever possible and otherwise using the excellent Leicester bus services.
Once the availability of free access to the Internet at Libraries was made known, he once more got on-line to Kiribati, etc.
Please keep praying for greater mobility.
THANKS ALBERT !
In the meantime, KAA President Albert Brechtefeld has been covering necessary secretarial duties. So far he has completed these successfully, including travel and visa arrangements for our athletes to Doha (World Indoor) and Sydney (Oceania under-18 Championships). With an imminent deadline for the Annual IAAF Report, he has also managed to fit completion of this into his daily working schedule. Thanks to him.
Last Modified on 11/05/2010 01:18