DESPITE battling a chronic kidney illness, Malvern youngster Zeke van Blerk is always thinking about how to put others first.

The 11-year-old, who attends Malvern Primary School, decided to take time while undergoing tests and treatment at Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital to do something special for other seriously ill children.

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At local markets, you can find Zeke selling sweet packs where he raises funds for some of his charity work. He also sells his sweets at the Queensburgh Bowling Club.

With the help of his mother Leanne, as well as businesses and corporates, the family put together more than 30 gift packs filled with toys, brought pizza and delivered cupcakes to children in need.

Each gift pack contained toys, colouring books, plush toys, and other items including a knitted blanket and beanie.

Zeke spent a week in hospital and explained why he is always willing to give back.

“I like to help others because I know how difficult it is when I’m in hospital. My favourite place to be is outdoors and I’m so happy we were able to make others smile. Many of the children that come in for treatment don’t have toys or anything to lift their spirits and I like to make them smile,” he explained.

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Leanne said she was blown away by her son’s generous spirit.

“It is really special to see Zeke interact with other children at the hospital. He has been raised to always help others in any way you can. What makes me so emotional is seeing the children’s eyes light up when they receive the gift pack or pizza or cupcakes. Some parents aren’t always prepared when they come to hospital for their child’s treatment.

“It’s a long, stressful week and tiring for the children who are sick, so this is our way of giving back. I’m so proud of Zeke because he is super brave and so strong despite suffering the way he does. I would also like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us, whether it’s through donations or giving back, this goes a long way to making a difference in someone else’s life,” she said.

Leanne shared some insight into Zeke’s illness.

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“Zeke was diagnosed at the age of two with a chronic kidney illness. It’s a lifelong illness and throughout the year he has to go for treatments and tests. Sometimes he can be in hospital for as many as eight days and I try to make it as fun as possible for him and all the children receiving treatment. Zeke’s right kidney is deteriorating quicker than the left. It is showing signs of more white patches which means they are dehydrated. We see his nephrologists next week to see what our next steps are. He was also recently diagnosed with silent seizures,” she said.

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