Matric Pupil’s Plea: Help Lawrence Become the Paramedic He Was Born to Be

At just 18 years old, Lawrence Lee Thorpe already knows the weight of life and death. While most of his peers juggle exam stress with the typical teenage worries about the future, Lawrence has been standing on the frontline of emergencies, holding the hands of children, wiping away tears, and watching families’ worlds collapse in a heartbeat.

It’s this calling that has shaped his dream: to become a fully qualified paramedic. But to get there, he needs South Africans to rally behind him.

A Dream Rooted in Service

Lawrence is not new to the sirens and flashing lights of emergency care. Between his matric exams, he volunteers at Best Care Ambulance and the Emergency Support Team, even taking on leadership responsibilities in the management team.

“Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of saving people’s lives,” he says. “Not because it sounded good on paper, but because I feel it in my heart. I know, deep down, I was made to be there to bring hope when there is only darkness.”

This August, he applied to study paramedicine with Netcare911. Against stiff competition, he’s already made it to the next round of the selection process. The only obstacle? The R100 000 he needs to secure his place.

A Campaign of Hope

To make his dream a reality, Lawrence launched a BackaBuddy campaign, appealing to the public for support. His heartfelt story has already struck a chord with many online, where South Africans are known for rallying around young people chasing their dreams.

On platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), comments of encouragement have begun surfacing. Some admire his maturity, while others point out that young South Africans like Lawrence represent the very best of the country’s future a generation not waiting for opportunity, but creating it.

The Hard Reality

Behind Lawrence’s determination lies an emotional truth. The trauma of working in emergency response at such a young age hasn’t left him unshaken.

“I’ve had blood on my hands, tears on my shoulders, and children clinging to me like I was their last safe place,” he admits. “Some scenes are tough. The screams, the loss… you can’t help but cry.”

Even now, with just three exam papers left, Lawrence balances revision with late-night callouts. He is exhausted, but unwavering. “You don’t know what the future holds,” he says, “but I know I will be successful. I’m not someone who gives up on tomorrow.”

Why It Matters

In a country where access to tertiary education is still a barrier for many, Lawrence’s story isn’t just about one young man’s dream. It’s a reflection of the determination and grit it takes for South African youth to push through financial and systemic hurdles to serve their communities.

South Africa has no shortage of stories about young people making destructive choices. Lawrence’s journey is a reminder that there are also countless unsung heroes teenagers who want to spend their lives giving back, if only they’re given the chance.

And for Lawrence, that chance comes with a price tag of R100 000.

How to Support

Lawrence’s BackaBuddy campaign is live, with every donation bringing him closer to a future where his skills can save lives rather than watch them slip away.

As he puts it: “Without the qualification, I’m only halfway there. With it, I can finally do everything I know I should be able to do.”

{Source: The Citizen}

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