After surviving a horrific crocodile attack recently, seven-year-old Johandré Blom, who lost his arm as a result, is miraculously and slowly but surely recovering.
On March 21, Johandré’s father, Corné, and mother, Amanda, said the family joined friends for a fishing trip at a dam near Brits. They said Johandré and his friend were playing in the shallow water, just metres from where their dads had their fishing lines in the water. Then suddenly their laid-back day turned into a nightmare when a large crocodile grabbed Johandré and dragged him into the water. Hearing the children scream, Corné rushed into the water, grabbing onto his son.
“The crocodile spun them around, but I managed to free Johandré, only to realise that his left arm had been torn off. We rushed him to the hospital, and we were luckily met on the way by emergency services. Johandré was stabilised and flown to a hospital in Alberton, where he remained in a medically induced coma,” Corné said.
His parents have been by his side, while family, friends, and Johandré’s school, Laerskool Broederstroom, have been raising funds for his costly medical treatment. The family does not currently have medical aid, and Corné has already sold what he could to pay the mounting hospital bills. However, good Samaritans took initiative and made sure the youngster would be fully supported as Good Morning Angels, along with Jacaranda FM, raised enough money for his operation and some much-needed therapy that amounted to over R300 000.
On Thursday, May 1, various businesses on the West Rand flocked to the Antique Shack in Muldersdrift, which held a shop party to amplify efforts in raising more funds for Johandré’s medical costs.
Businessman and family friend who led the charge in ensuring that Johandré received full support was Juan van der Merwe, who was among the main organisers of the shop party. Juan confirmed that over R400 000 was raised for Johandré’s medical costs through a Back-a-Buddy campaign and all the fundraisers.
“The journey to recovery is very difficult, but he’s back to being himself now. He enjoys being outdoors and playing with friends.
Despite the ordeal, he remains strong and sociable,” Juan said.
He added, “It’s a miracle that Johandré survived, but now the long road to recovery lies ahead.”
According to Corné, his son supports the Sharks, and one of his favorite players is none other than Pieter-Steph du Toit.
“Johandré has always been a very active kid; he enjoys fishing and is a rugby fan. Although he went through something unimaginable, he remains a strong-willed and determined boy. He is a true fighter.”
