Brackenhurst residents and the wider Alberton community are encouraged to support 15-year-old Blake Froneman by taking part in a special golf day fundraiser on October 2 at South Downs Golf Club.

The fundraising event has been organised to help cover the costs of Blake’s extensive spinal surgery, which is scheduled for November 25, as well as the medical expenses and recovery that will follow.

Blake has faced medical challenges from the day he was born. Born prematurely at seven months at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, he spent more than two months in the neonatal intensive care unit after suffering a pneumothorax, where his right lung collapsed shortly after birth.

At just 10 weeks old, Blake was diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity and underwent his first eye surgery. Since then, he has had about 16 eye operations.

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Community is invited to support 15-year-old Blake Froneman at a fundraising golf day with proceeds going towards the extensive spinal surgery and medical expenses needed to improve his quality of life. Full story albertonrecord.co.za

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Although doctors worked tirelessly to preserve his sight, Blake is now legally blind with only minimal light perception.

In 2015, he was diagnosed with autism, and in 2025 he was diagnosed with epilepsy after experiencing seizures.

Doctors at Donald Gordon Medical Centre have now confirmed that Blake has severe kyphosis, a condition causing an excessive forward curvature of the spine. Further examinations also revealed scoliosis, with the spinal curve progressing to 75 degrees.

Specialists have recommended corrective spinal surgery as the only treatment option to prevent further complications and improve his quality of life.

To help make this surgery possible, Blake’s family, friends and supporters have organised the golf day, inviting businesses and community members to get involved.

The event will take place at South Downs Golf Club with a 10:00 shotgun start. The competition will be played in a Betterball Stableford format, with entry costing R4 000 per four-ball, which includes green fees, a golf cart, dinner and the prize-giving ceremony.

Businesses can also support the fundraiser by sponsoring a hole for R2 500, donating prizes or making financial contributions towards Blake’s medical costs.

“More than anything, this golf day is about giving Blake the opportunity for a better quality of life and reminding him that he is surrounded by people who care,” said Blake’s mother, Rose-Lee Watson.

She added that every entry, sponsorship and donation brings Blake one step closer to receiving the surgery he urgently needs.

Those who wish to show support, use the following banking details for Blake:

ABSA, Savings account, Branch code 632005, Account number 932 278 2226

For bookings, sponsorships, prize donations or more information, residents may contact Rose-Lee Watson on 078 217 6132, Pastor Basil Meintjes on 082 421 2861 or South Downs Golf Club representative Brohnan Borrajeiro on 011 943 4448.

Community members can also follow Blake’s journey on the ‘Hand In Hand With Blake’ Facebook page.