Cerebral palsy and cancer could not keep this Ballito bowls champ down

There are people in life whose refusal to give up can inspire all those around them.

Ballito’s Derrick John Lobban is one such person.

Despite some serious challenges the 63-year-old took them in his stride – all the way to a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 for bowling.

“There is always hope,” he told the Courier.

Lobban was born with cerebral palsy affecting his right leg and arm.

This never held him back, as he enjoyed sport at school and continued playing tennis as an adult. “In 1999 I took up bowls and it just came naturally for me.”

Lobban said his favourite thing about the sport is that anyone can play – including people with disabilities. He was selected for the SA team to take part in the 2007 world championships.

Lobban followed this up by bowling his way to a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Following this triumph life decided to try knocking him down again and he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

“After the highs of my victories, the diagnosis hit me like a thunderbolt.”

Lobban said one of the toughest and yet most important things is to always stay positive.

“I found a lot of strength through God. I was saved on Christmas Day in 2014. The doctors had said they could not help and my father had come to say goodbye, that was the day I gave it all up to God.”

Also read: Former pilot takes to the sky again after life-changing accident – Ballito

Eventually he was operated on and his entire stomach removed. To this day Derrick lives a full life without a stomach. He eats small meals six times a day, as he has to digest food with his intestines and liver.

“On the plus side – I never need more than one beer,” he said with a laugh.

Since his surgery, Lobban has been consulting with an oncologist who advised against chemo.

“Obviously it is different for everyone. Listen to your doctors, first and foremost. I was lucky to find an oncologist who could point me in the direction of foods that inhibit cancer-causing genes. After a year of following this diet, I am happy to say that I am cancer free.”

Not satisfied with overcoming all this Derrick says he wants to help other cancer victims in their struggle.

If you are fighting cancer and you need some support, call Derrick at 083 381 0689.

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