“It was like a dream.”
These are the words of a Heideveld teen who made it to his matric ball with the help of generous neighbours and Daily Voice readers.
Luke Smith, 18, made headlines in August when he shared his remarkable story of how he raisied himself on just R2500 a month after his ouma died.
Excited neighbours blocked off the street on Friday as a sleek black limo sponsored by Limousine Extreme arrived to pick up Luke and his partner, Zaigon Safodien, followed by 10 VW GTIs sponsored by GTI Fanatics to escort the couple to the CTICC.
Luke says he got up extra early to make it for his hair appointment, arranged by the Restoring Hope organisation who also provided his outfit.
CLASSY: Couple had a ride in limo
“They did a fancy haircut and even used a GHD on my hair, but luckily I didn’t have to put a swirlkous on to keep the style in,” he laughs.
The usually shy boy was bowled over by Zaigon’s sexy silver dress.
“I was so surprised, I have never seen anything like that,” he said.
The day was organised by Constable Natasha Landers from Manenberg police, who first contacted the Daily Voice after hearing Luke’s story.
“So many people came forward to help. Trevor le Grange baked the matric ball cake.
“Then a lady named Maryam from Belgravia who sells cupcakes brought more cakes and other treats and when the person who promised the juice disappointed us, Mariam went all the way to Vangate Mall and bought it from her own money.”
Roegshana and Zaheer Martin sponsored platters along with a neighbour and a nurse from Melomed.
An ecstatic Luke says: “I am really grateful to everyone for making my big day special, but especially Natasha, she did a lot of the work.”