After Xander van Niekerk (14), a Hoërskool Fochville rugby player, sustained severe fractures to his spine during a rugby match at the Danie Rossouw Rugby Week, he returned home safely on Saturday.

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He sustained a fracture to his T12 vertebra and a dislocation of the vertebra below it in a freak accident. Without medical aid his parents feared the worst, but were thankful to the Lowveld community for their generosity when he was taken home after his surgery by iSecure EMS at no additional cost.

“We would like to give back to the community and decided to help the family, as we know what it’s like for those who do not have medical aid,” said iSecure EMS director Dewald Strydom.

To assist with ongoing medical costs and recovery, the Danie Rossouw Rugby Association also shared a heartfelt message from the school on their Facebook page to help raise funds.

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“I would like to thank the Lowveld community from the bottom of my heart. I want to thank Rob Ferreira Hospital for their excellent service and Akasia guesthouse for accommodating us during a difficult time. A big thank you to iSecure for bringing my son home safely,” Chantelle, Xander’s mother said.

During surgery, six screws and a plate were inserted into Xander’s back. He will require ongoing home care and extensive physiotherapy. To date, R 74 739 has been raised through his BackaBuddy campaign to help with ongoing medical expenses.