‘Overwhelmed’ Valiant Swart auctions memorabilia to raise funds for wife’s medical treatment
Lanelle, his wife, underwent cancer surgery two years ago, after which she experienced complications, including a recent diagnosis of lymphedema in her right leg.
Generous Pretoria residents last week bandied together to buy memorabilia being sold by Afrikaans singer Valiant Swart to raise money for a life-saving operation for his wife.
“It was tough to let go of all these things, but I will go beyond and back for Lanelle,” Swart said.
Lanelle, his wife, underwent cancer surgery two years ago, after which she experienced complications, including a recent diagnosis of lymphedema in her right leg.
There was a possibility it could spread to her left leg and beyond.
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The treatment is estimated at around R1-million.
Swart said they were overwhelmed with messages of support since they heard about her condition.
He has auctioned some of his most precious instruments, handwritten lyrics and other unique items to raise funds for his wife Lanelle’s medical treatment.
The first of two auctions, took place at The Blue Crane restaurant in Brooklyn, on Thursday, January 27.
Some of the items auctioned included the couple’s artworks, guitars, handwritten and framed lyrics of hits like “Songvanger”, “Die Mystic Boer”, “Eyeshadow” and “Duisend Myl Blues”, the last remaining bottles of Mystic Boer brandy and signed framed photographs.
“Locally, there is no longer anything that can be done for Lanelle.
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“After months of extensive research, she discovered that there is a micro-surgical procedure in Oxford, England to treat lymphedema,” said Swart.
Swart, Anton Goosen and Gian Groen also performed on stage.
Woes, an organisation set up for the purpose to assist artists affected by Covid-19, presented the auction.
A signed acoustic and electrical guitar were up for grabs.
“She is the healthiest person. Lymphedema has significantly changed her everyday existence. She experiences constant pain and discomfort, which makes normal things exhausting, but we have decided that we will fight and get her the necessary treatment she needs,” he said.
The couple from Cape Town need to raise enough funds to cover the astronomical costs of the operation, as well as the travel and accommodation costs.
A second auction will take place with fellow artists, like Karen Zoid, Francois van Coke, Springbok Nude Girls, Lise Swart and Akkedis Band in Stellenbosch at the end of February.
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