Good Morning Angels: Talented musician gets the help she needs to get back on the beat
A passionate drummer's career came to a halt when life took a turn for the worse. Debbie-Leigh is a talented drummer that is faced with many challenges, including paralysis. Her story of hard work, commitment and dedication is one that can inspire us all.
GOOD MORNING ANGELS 15 MARCH 2017 (DEBBIE/TOMS)
REQUEST FROM: Drumming coach, Michael Few and friend, Martie Booysen
REQUEST FOR: Debbie-Leigh Nel
ANGEL: Reagan Ross, Marketing Manager of TOMS - That Other Music Store.
SPONSORING: A brand new Roland V Electronic Drum Kit and trimmings valued at R27,000
BACKGROUND: Debbie-Leigh, or 'Debs 'as she prefers to be called, is 25-years-old and works as a secretarial assistant and receptionist at an audit firm. She’s been back at work for less than two months and she’s ready to take life by the horns. Her life changed in an instant back in November 2016. She was in a car crash that broke her back. After six weeks in rehab and two operations later, Debs is now a T11-L2 paraplegic and paralysed from the hips down.
Before the accident, Debs used to play the drums - as a hobby and passion. She thought that, as with so many other things in her life before the accident, she would never be able to do that again. As you know, drummers need their feet to operate the pedals for the kick drum and hi-hat. When everything seemed negative she met Michael Few. He is a musician, producer and drummer. Similarly to Debs, 13-years ago, Michael woke up one morning and was paralysed from under his arms down. A virus had attacked his spinal chord.
Michael showed her how he plays the drums on an electric kit which enables him to do the pedal work with his hands. Through working with Michael, Debs found the hope that she could restore some of her former life and live out her passion for drumming. All she needs now is a drum kit and the cost is just too far out of reach.
ORIGINAL REQUEST:
A very special lady needs your assistance. Debbie was involved in a motor vehicle accident in November 2016. This accident has left this amazing young lady as a paraplegic. Prior to the accident Debbie played the drums and she would like it, more than anything, to start drumming again.
However, as a paraplegic she will only be able to pursue her dream by playing on an electric drum-kit i.e. the Roland V Drums.
In terms of coaching; Debbie with go under mentor-ship of singer song writer and musician Micheal Few, also a paraplegic and who has mastered the drums by playing it with one hand. If you can assist Debbie by sponsoring a drum-kit or maybe have a second had Roland kit that you would like to sell to her at a good price, please contact Micheal Few
Debs definitely knows how to beat the drum!