Hoërskool Monument High School learner Arthur Flemix’s rugby dreams have been placed on hold after a serious back injury left the 16-year-old unable to continue playing the sport he loves.

According to his mother, Nicollette, Arthur sustained the injury at the end of the 2023 rugby season. Since then, he has undergone two medical procedures and has been instructed by an orthopaedic surgeon to stop all sport-related activities.

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Despite the procedures, his condition has reportedly worsened significantly.

My son was an incredible rugby player with such a passion for the sport he loved most,” Nicollette said.

Arthur previously received honour colours for rugby but has already missed the past two rugby seasons due to the injury.

His mother said he had remained committed to rugby from a young age while also excelling in other sports, including cricket, during his time at Laerskool Roodekrans.

After several months of physiotherapy showed some improvement, the family consulted an orthopaedic surgeon in March last year. An MRI scan later revealed severe deterioration in the discs in Arthur’s back.

Doctors instructed him to stop playing rugby immediately, rest for a year and return for a follow-up appointment in 2026.

“We recently went for that follow-up this year and, after another MRI, we received even more heartbreaking news.

His condition has worsened significantly, and he is now in constant pain. The next urgent step is surgery; however, we do not have the funds,” Nicollette explained.

According to the family, their medical aid declined authorisation for the operation because spinal injuries are not covered under their plan.

“As a single mother of two teenagers, I am doing everything I can, but the financial burden of private medical costs is overwhelming. I am humbly asking for any assistance possible to help us get my son the operation he desperately needs so he can have a chance at living without constant pain again,” she said.

“Any donation, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. Even if you are unable to donate, a share, message forward, or simply keeping us in your thoughts and prayers would help more than you know.”

Those willing to assist can visit Arthur’s BackaBuddy page or contact Nicollette directly.

• Details: Nicollette can be contacted on 071 611 0727.