UPDATE: GALLERY: Golf day raises much-needed cash for north family
“Doctors said Sakkie would not live past the age of 12.”
A fundraising initiative has raised thousands of rands for an underprivileged north family.
One2b in collaboration with Rekord and the Caring Daisies held a golf day at the Rock golf club on Friday.
The day saw a number of artists, including Roan Ash, Wicus van der Merwe and Pieter Smith, participate in the activities.
The main beneficiaries of the event, 80-year-old pensioner Hettie Botha and her son Sakkie were also in attendance.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Last chance to join east golf day for a good cause
One2b CEO, Jason Fourie said the aim of the event was to raise R150 000 including proceeds from an auction that was held on the same day.
“The money is still being audited,” he said.
Tannie Hettie has single-handedly raised Sakkie since he was 17 years old.
Sakkie lives with Down syndrome and over the years his health has deteriorated to such an extent that he has become wheelchair-bound.
Hettie detailed in a letter the struggles she faced with her son and how doctors had predicted a limited life for Sakkie.
“Doctors said Sakkie would not live past the age of 12,” she said.
“It was heart-breaking to hear that, but I took it one day at a time.”
The pensioner said often had to do things alone and has had to learn to be strong for her son.
The pair who live in a rented home in Wolmer in the north of Pretoria will receive R100 000.
ALSO READ: Golf day to help man living with Down syndrome
“For more than 40 years I have been caring for my son it has been such a difficult journey for us,” the emotional Hettie said, adding that she was delighted to receive the donation as it would ensure that some of Sakkie’s essentials were provided for.
Hettie said recently doctors discovered a lump behind Sakkie’s head and they feared that it could be cancerous.
She said the lump could not be removed as Sakkie’s ailing health made doctors fear that he would slip into a coma.
Artist Ruan Ash said many other such initiatives were needed to help support and uplift members of the community who were less fortunate.
ALSO READ: Local Down syndrome athletics day is still growing
Ash was one of the artists who volunteered their time to perform some of their musical offerings live on stage.
“We realise how blessed we are when we are able to help change the lives of others,” he said
“I decided to be part of this initiative as a way of giving back in the best way I know how to.”
Some of the proceeds will go to a 14-year-old boy suffering from a severe speech disorder.
Participants were treated to free massages by the Soul Thai Spa.
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