Niel Janse Van Rensburg grew up on a farm outside Winterton. The 18-year-old matriculated last year at Voortrekker Hoërskool in Bethlehem. Niel boasts high academic achievements including playing for the school’s first rugby team and the Griffons on a provincial level.

On Valentine’s Day this year, Niel and a friend made their way to celebrate, when they were tragically involved in a car accident. The propshaft of the vehicle dislodged and got stuck on the road, which caused the vehicle to overturn and roll several times. Niel was flung out of the vehicle and sustained traumatic brain injury. Ever since, Niel has been in a coma.

He was admitted to the Albert Luthuli Hospital (Durban) and was later transffered to Greys Hopsital in Pietermaritzburg. After two months, the medical team was negative towards Niel’s condition and he was discharged, as doctors believed nothing more could be done to better Niel’s health. At the time he was fully dependant on oxygen and nurtition via intubation. Niel is currently at home where he receives round-the-clock care from his mother and grandmother. They are assisted by Surina Wolmarans, a local Occupational Therapist.

Miss Wolmarans, reports that Niel is showing definite progress characterised by his increased ability to follow instructions such as moving his fingers and attempting to pronounce certain words. He is also able to breathe independently and swallow small amounts of water. A small group of Niel’s friends assist the Van Rensburg family with finances where possible through raising of funds, administration and his rehabilitation.

A Facebook group named: Friends of Niel Janse van Rensburg was also started and gets updated with posts of Niel’s progress. The Facebook group recieves frequent messages of empahthy, love and prayer. Miss Wolmarans also assists other disabled children in the area in her spare time and invites you to become part of the community by participating in this cause.

For Niel to make the best possible recovery, he needs to receive urgent and intensive rehabilitation. The Hillandale Hospital in Bloemfontein provides the best opportunity for this. There he will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary medical team and the form of therapy he needs will be determined. Niel’s mother will also receive training in full-time care, which she will put to use once the evalutaion is complete.

Niel has a long and difficut road to recovery and his family are yet to face a number of challenges. The 60 days of rehabilitation he is to receive will determine the rest of his life. Niel’s hospitalisation will cost R5 000 per day, excluding investigations (MRI and CT scans) and food. Niel’s family and friends are appealing for your assistance, by sponsoring a day, or a part of a day, of his rehabilitation. For Niel’s family and friends any contribution will mean the difference between regaining a loved one or losing a son and friend forever.

The Van Rensburg family would like to thank you in advance for your help and support., and would like to assure you that all funds will be applied strictly for Niel’s care and rehabilitation.

The bank details are:
Account Name: M Bester
Account Nr: 62413649411
Branch Code: FNB 220625
Reference: Your name and cell number (in order to be updated and keep you posted on Niel’s recovery, details regarding what the funds are used for and showing appreciation).

Contact Martie Bester on 083 632 5571or email martie@bencorboerdery.co.za, Michelle Badenhorst on 084 491 1234 or Surina Wolmerans on 082 336 1322.