A YOUNG Indian earthquake survivor got the full VIP treatment when he visited Okehampton on Saturday to celebrate his 11th birthday.
One of the surprises for Parth Pradip Joshi, who was trapped in rubble for four days during the earthquake and rescued by members of Okehampton-based Rapid UK, was a flight in a helicopter following a reception at Okehampton Rugby Club.
Parth, whose left leg was completely crushed in the disaster, has come to England for treatment thanks to a local fundraising appeal by Rapid UK which raised £12,000. He will be fitted with a prosthetic leg and will undergo several weeks of physiotherapy before returning to India.
Accompanied by his father and members of the charity, Parth was taken on a tour of the West Country over the weekend which included a visit to Crealy Park near Exeter, the Eden project at St Austell and Newquay where he was given a surfing lesson.
Director of Rapid UK Graham Payne said the idea was to take away the memories of the trauma the youngster had been through and replace them with some pleasant ones.
'It was wonderful to see his face when the helicopter arrived,' said Mr Payne. 'Parth was told we were just stopping off in Okehampton for a break before travelling on to Cornwall so it was a big surprise for him. He had never been in a helicopter before and he loved it.'
Mayor of Okehampton Christine Marsh presented Parth with a framed certificate welcoming him to the town and wishing him luck for the future.
Cllr Marsh said she was delighted to meet this young boy who had gone through such a lot, including the loss of his mother and his brother in the tragedy.
Speaking to the Okehampton Times on Saturday, Parth's father Pradip said he was so grateful to Rapid UK and the British people for what they had done for his son.
'They have performed miracles — not only have they saved his life but also arranged for his treatment in England. It is amazing.'