Europcar committed to helping Lewis by providing him with prosthesis which he received in January this year. Europcar has also covered the maintenance of the prosthesis and has committed until such time as the claim against the state is settled, with the court case scheduled for September 2013.

Since the accident, Europcar has been contributing to the family’s monthly grocery bills and has also provided transport for Lewis from home to the Charlotte Mxeke hospital for regular assessments. In October, Lewis has had his second pair of prosthetics made up and fitted, as he is growing rapidly.

As the main vehicle sponsor for the Momentum 94.7 cycle challenge, a team of Europcar employees took part in the race and included Lewis as part of the team. Pulled by Europcar director of operations, George Corbett, Lewis sat in a buggy throughout the race.

“We are very pleased with the progress Lewis is making and were thrilled to have him take part in one of the world’s largest cycle races. It has been a rewarding experience to assist this family and make a real difference in their lives,” says Europcar chief executive Dawn Nathan-Jones. “We are committed to helping children throughout South Africa and are implementing further sponsorships to do so.”

In addition to the support Europcar has given to the Wynne family, they hope to positively impact the lives of more children through the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa, CHOC. Europcar will be donating funds to furnish the newly extended CHOC house in East London, which offers out-of-town families who bring their children to the paediatric oncology unit at The Frere Hospital in East London, with free accommodation.

The majority of these families are from the rural areas of the former Transkei and do not have the financial means to arrange accommodation while their children are in hospital. An additional five bedroom house will be added to the existing property and Europcar’s funding will be used to furnish and equip the new house. The building will commence in January next year allowing more families to stay close to their children who are receiving treatment.

Europcar has also provided mobility support for the Reach for a Dream Foundation by supplying an 8-seater Hyundai H1 for an initial one year period. The foundation helps children with life-threatening illnesses to realise their dreams.

“Corporate social investment is an integral part of our business and we pride ourselves on being able to support the less fortunate particularly children who have been affected by illness and disease,” says Nathan-Jones.