As a tiny tot, he would stand with his hand on his chest, eyes closed, and sing every word of the national anthem – long before the Springboks were the world champions they are today.

Now, at the age of 16, Aidan Freeman, who has Costello syndrome, has warmed viewers’ hearts with his reaction to adding Springbok Damian de Allende’s Pick n Pay CollectaBoks card to his line-up.

The wholesome moment was posted to the Raising Aidan Facebook page, which was created by his mom, Melissa Botha. According to the page’s bio, it aims to ‘share our journey to raise awareness, fight medical neglect, honour sensory and medical needs and fund vital care’.

In the video, Aidan, who lives with his mom in Morningside, Johannesburg, is seen beating his chest with pride after noticing De Allende in his unwrapped pack of collector cards. “That patriotic passion has grown with him, and now rugby is one of his biggest joys. He used to be absolutely besotted with the emergency services and over time that love shifted toward sport – he’s now completely devoted to Liverpool, Kaizer Chiefs and, of course… the Boks!” says Botha.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Costello syndrome is a ‘rare genetic condition that affects the brain, bones, heart, muscles and skin’.

Botha says Aidan is prone to cancer, has a thickened wall in his heart’s left ventricle, and will need a hip operation soon. Aidan requires significant medical care, and as a result, Botha has built a business that allows her to work around his needs. She sells several products, from an all-natural mosquito repellent to a microwave cupcake mix.

These products can be found on www.raisingaidan.com for those who wish to support his medical costs.

Watch the reaction video below: