Peter Barkhuizen (62), owner of Noise Boys Workshop, shared how he unexpectedly landed in hospital after suffering a severe stroke just days after participating in a road race.

Barkhuizen took part in the Kloppers Marathon in February, competing in the men’s 10km road race. The race was run at a blistering pace, with Omphile Letshabo claiming victory in 31:11, edging out teammate Thabang Mathosa, who finished second in 31:36. Retshidisitswe Shai secured third place in 33:00.

Feeling fine after the race, Barkhuizen went home and rested. By Monday, he had returned to his normal routine, going for a run at around 05:00. However, on Tuesday morning, after another early run, he began experiencing health complications. After showering, Barkhuizen noticed problems with his vision.

“I tied my shoe laces, drove to school and the shops with only one eye seeing straight. I got here (at his business premises) and drank an energy drink as I thought my blood sugar was low. I felt okay when I went home that same day,” he said.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, his condition worsened dramatically.

'My body just fell on the floor'

“I went to the bathroom at 02:00, came back and lay on my bed. When I got out of the bed for the second time, I didn’t know what was going on with my body as I just fell on the floor,” he said.

He lost his balance and hit his head against a chest of drawers near his bedside.

“As I was lying on the floor my wife had to help me. My hand felt cold and I couldn’t open it. I had a stroke. I went to Mediclinic hospital, and they give a rating from one to six for a stroke, with six being the highest number. My stroke was severe as it was rated five point something out of six. It paralysed the left side of my body.”

Barkhuizen said his left leg was immobile for weeks before regaining movement. While he has since regained use of his leg, his left arm is still not functioning.

“I’m still working on this (the use of his left arm) but I believe God will help me through. I’m very positive. I’ve been doing a bit of work around my workshop again with my guys, so I am okay at the moment,” he added.

He spent one week in hospital and a further eight weeks at Emoyamed hospital to recover. His return home was marked by an emotional welcome from friends and family.

'Emotional rollercoaster for me, my children are very small'

“It was an emotional roller coaster for me as my children are very small,” he said, adding that he is grateful to be back at work and reconnecting with customers.

Barkhuizen admitted that everyday tasks remain a challenge. “Small things like putting toothpaste on a toothbrush, paging through a file, those are some of the challenges,” he said.

Despite these difficulties, he remains optimistic and thankful, emphasising that not many people who have experienced a stroke get a second chance.

He urged others to prioritise their health by attending regular medical check-ups and monitoring factors such as cholesterol levels. He also encouraged people to stay active, noting that his fitness contributed to his recovery.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi  cvdw

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