Rugby Legends support former Free State star’s call to help daughter paralysed by swimming pool accident
Liane Heymans broke her sixth neck vertebra on New Year’s Eve.
As South Africans are caught up in the medical and financial challenges of Covid-19, former Free State rugby star Dougie Heymans, is dealing with additional hurdles to overcome following a swimming pool accident involving his daughter Liane.
The 25-year-old Liane received emergency surgery on New Year’s Eve following a swimming pool accident.
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She dived into a swimming pool while on holiday on December 31, last year, and broke her sixth neck vertebra.
Following the surgery she was later informed that she was paralysed from the shoulders down.
Doctors predicted that she would, at best, regain movement in her arms and that the chances of a complete recovery were slim.
As a physio, Liane understands the rehabilitation process and with the help of therapists and equipment at Pasteur, her strong will to recover grows every day.
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She is determined to regain the use of all her limbs, however, her medical aid only covers the two months she has already spent at the Life Pasteur Hospital.
Therapists have advised that the rehabilitation process will take at least six months – a cost that Liane will have to cover on her own.
And the mammoth expense of continuing her rehabilitation journey is extremely prohibitive.
To give Liane the best possible chance of reclaiming her life, the Heymans family has opened a trust account and are requesting donations to enable her to continue with her rehabilitation.
The South African Rugby Legends Association (SARLA) also stepped up and called on Dougie’s former teammates, rugby supporters and friends to help by contributing to the fund.
“Let’s help our friend and teammate’s family by working as hard off the field as we once did on the field,” said SARLA chief executive officer and former Springbok backline player, Stefan Terblanche.
“Our support will help Liane keep her dream alive, and possibly walk again.
“These are challenging times for many people.
“But for the Heymans family, there are even more hurdles to overcome.
“It’s up to us to ease the burden by giving Liane the best possible chance of recovery,” said Terblanche.
Contact Dougie on 082 825 1376 for details on how to deposit your donation into the trust’s bank account.
Proof of contributions or any questions can also be sent to the Liane Heymans Trust by emailing to charlie@fal.co.za or to Willie Meyer at williem@gwk.co.za.
