Blood donations keep hope alive

In June 2021, Richard Pretorius (64), of Western Extension, successfully completed his ninth Comrades Marathon mere months after undergoing a lumber fusion and overcoming the onset of sepsis.

His world, however, came crumbling down as the persistent bacterial infection slowly started infecting his vital organs, leaving one of Benoni Northerns Athletic Club veterans fighting for his life.

“The blood coursing through my veins is not mine but it gave me life,” said Richard, his blue eyes brimming with emotion during an interview with the Benoni City Times at the Northmead SANBS donor centre.

“Since becoming a blood donor in 1981, I hoped that my contribution would save the life of another, not once thinking that I would be on the receiving end.

“However, my will to live and more than R180 000 worth of blood brought my body back from immense trauma.”

He explains that during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, he, like many other sports enthusiasts, resorted to running vast distances within the confines of their properties.

“I must have had a stumble or two but an eventual outing on my bicycle led to me suffering a lower back injury,” he said.

“I struck a pothole, which catapulted me onto the road. By the end of year, I was in agony and I was booked in for a back operation.

“At first everything seemed fine. I was feeling great.”

By the end of February, Richard had developed sepsis and was admitted to ICU.

Following a blood transfusion and a rigorous course of antibiotics, he was discharged on March 23, the day of his 61st birthday.

“I was again back to my normal self and quickly started preparations to participate in the 2021 virtual Comrades. I felt on top of the world.”

His recovery was again short-lived when he was rushed to hospital on August 3.

The prognosis?

The infection had spiked once again, he was in complete organ failure and his left aortic valve had collapsed.

He underwent open heart surgery, after which he received a pacemaker.

“It is a complete blur. Days melted into weeks and months. I was in and out of surgery. I was receiving one blood transfusion after the other,” he said, his breath shallow as he recounted events.

“All I knew was that I wanted to get well enough to return home.”

Just before Christmas, the ‘miracle man’ as Life The Glynnwood Hospital staff referred to him, was deemed strong enough to be discharged from physical rehabilitation.

Three years later, Richard is still regaining his strength and gathering his courage to face another day of immense pain.

“Remaining positive is a struggle,” he said, allowing a sense of vulnerability to wash over his face.

“My parents used to say as an adult it is your responsibility to donate blood and to ensure that your vote counts.
“I may feel demoralised at times, but I am alive because others believe in the value of helping those in need.

“I have 107 parkruns under the belt and have set a goal of at least completing another, even if it means I will have to walk it.

“My wife, Erica’s, support brought me from death’s door and donors filled my body with life and for that, I will be eternally grateful.”

Steadying himself on his feet Richard encouraged members of the community to become active blood donors.

“Blood donation is probably the easiest way that you can help another,” he said.

“It is quick and easy to do. If it was not for the selfless acts of others I would not be here to share my story of how I stared into the face of death and survived.”

Donate to save lives
Northmead SANBS Donor Centre is ready to collect blood from donors weighing over 50kg, between the ages of 16 to 75 and leading a healthy lifestyle.

The centre is open from 10:00 to 18:00.

For more information, call the SANBS on 0800 847 633.

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