GEORGE NEWS - Heart transplant recipient Derek Botes (58), a golfer from George, is set to participate in the World Transplant Games in Perth Australia in five months.
Botes attended the National Transplant Games in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in July and qualified to attend the games next year. He was selected to represent South Africa as an official transplant team member and received his national colours approved by SASCOC.
"This is a huge honour, but transplant recipient athletes must raise the funds to be able to compete in Australia," says Botes.
"The costs to get there and back amounts to almost R58 000. Support from individuals, companies and institutions will be highly appreciated and will go a long way in assisting in my efforts to raise the required funds."
At the age of 18, Botes unknowingly damaged his heart muscle while doing his officer's course at the SA Air Force. He did the initial initiation course of five days while having the flu, but endured to ensure he passed the first hurdle to be able to complete his course. Only many years later, when he applied for increased life insurance, it came to light that the flu virus had attacked his heart muscle.
Medical tests revealed that he had a serious heart condition and he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, where the only remedy is a heart transplant.
His heart quickly deteriorated, and he had only 5% heart function at the time of his transplant in 2018.
"The new heart gave me another chance in life and allowed me the opportunity to again enjoy my love for golf," says Botes.
Before his transplant, he had several achievements in golf. He won three consecutive club championships (B Division) in Vereeniging (1998 to 2000), two in Orkney (2003) and one at Oubaai Golf Club (2010). He also won the Order of Merit and Single Knock-Out (Matchplay) competitions at Oubaai in 2010 and came second in the B Division at George Golf Club Championship (2010).
Anyone prepared to help can visit the web page set up to raise the money needed. Go to www.globalsms.co.za/wtg for more information.
Botes may be contacted on 060 773 0246.
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