At Faircape Health Tokai Estate, we recently supported Zelmarie Nel on her road to recovery following an accident earlier this year.
When Zelmarie relocated from Johannesburg to Cape Town in October 2023, she set out to embrace new opportunities and continue her passion for running. She joined the AACA Running Club in August 2024 and began preparing for the Two Oceans Marathon.
In April 2024, during what was meant to be a short training run, Zelmarie was involved in a road accident in Bantry Bay. She sustained multiple injuries, including fractures and ligament tears, and was initially treated at Christiaan Barnard Hospital.
After several weeks of acute medical care, Zelmarie was referred to Faircape Health Tokai Estate for sub-acute rehabilitation, where her recovery journey continued under the care of an interdisciplinary team.
“The team was incredible, warm and welcoming. I had a private room, and the sisters and doctors always listened. The carers were there the moment I pressed a button. You could tell everyone celebrated every win with me,” she shares.
Her rehabilitation programme included a combination of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychosocial support designed to help her regain strength and independence.
“The physiotherapy sessions were challenging but motivating. The therapists encouraged me throughout, and the social worker supported me on the mental side too,” she says.
Today, Zelmarie continues to make progress through outpatient physiotherapy and remains focused on her recovery goals. Her perseverance, discipline, and optimism have been central to her rehabilitation process.
“Running has always been my passion,” she adds. “My goal is to return to it one day, when the time is right.”
At Faircape Health, we are privileged to support individuals like Zelmarie in achieving meaningful recovery outcomes, one step at a time.
