Fundraiser for Joost van der Westhuizen

A Golf fund-raiser for former Springbok and Bulls legend Joost van der Westhuizen was held on Saturday, May 24 at Kruger Park Lodge Resort. He is also the founder of the J9 Foundation, a charity aiding sufferers of Motor Neuron Disease, the disease that he himself also suffers from.

The community heeded the call and raised more than R30 000 for this worthy cause. The day commenced in great spirit and 60 golfers played a four-ball alliance. Van der Westhuizen was taken around on a golf cart to view the beautiful golf course and to meet the players. Alwyn Loots, a 14-year-old, hit a hole-in-one on the 16th and instead of him receiving a prize he sponsored a R1 000 towards the cause.

The prize-giving was held at the lapa and the atmosphere was great as everyone enjoyed the delicious braai. Raffle tickets were sold and Aubrey Kerslake won a midweek stay at the lodge. Spot prizes were given away as well. An auction was held and memorabilia were auctioned which included Van der Westhuizens Bulls jersey that was sold for R8 000.

“Van der Westhuizen was diagnosed in 2011 with a fatal illness called Motor Neuron Disease,” said Annie Smit, J9 event organiser. He is presently wheelchair bound, and cannot speak, eat or bath himself, but it doesn’t get him down. “He wants to spend as much time as possible with his family because he realises every day might be his last,” she continued.

Results for the day:

1st place: Dane Ross, Jaco Bekker, Piet de Wet and Morne de Wey on 97 points.

2nd place: Piet van Vuuren, Aubrey Kerslake, Manie van Wyk and Lappies Labuschagne on 96 points.

3rd place: Lerieze de Lange, Marizelle de Lange, Phillip de Lange and Willie Volschel on 95 points.

The organisers, Marlene Milne, Annie Smit, Willem Fick (Jr) and Wayne Morse, wants to thank the following sponsors: Kruger Park Lodge Resort, NTT Toyota (Hazyview), Savebuild (Mica), Numbi Hotel and Soapreme clean for their generous contribution to the success of the event.