David Cox, a resident of the Ann Harding Cheshire Home in Boskruin, is overwhelmed with support after members of his old school, King Edward VII, rallied up support to help him.
“I was taken by complete surprise… When I got told about what my old school was doing it was such an amazing feeling.
“It really made me happy to see my old school coming together for a single cause. All the way down from Grade 8s to the staff members,” said Cox.
Cox (22) is a former student of King Edward VII School (Kes) who in 2010 was paralysed after doctors found a tumour the size of a tennis ball surrounding his spinal column.
KES headmaster, David Lovatt, house leaders and student mentors were instrumental in garnishing support for the David Cox Fundraising Project.
Cox said, “They set a target of R15 000 for the boys to raise, and if they raised that on the day Mr. Lovatt and others would shave their heads bald.”
Lovatt said, “There is not a man of us who does not at times need a helping hand to be stretched out to him, and this is the time for us to help a brother.”
Lisa Slooten of Kes said, “So Wednesday, 1 November saw our school blazers discarded and funky ties were the uniform of the day. The school raised R23 821 in total. This is an outstanding contribution from boys.”
The organisers accepted the challenge to put their heads on the line and had their heads shaved knowing that the school surpassed the challenge.
Cox said, “I wish that I could have been there, but it was hilarious to see a picture of Mr. Lovatt bald!”
The principal also commented on an amazing gesture by his old school friend and said, “My friend donated his signed Springbok rugby jersey to a charity auction and it sold for R50 000.
Cox said, “The funds that have been donated will go towards the cost of my care expenses, rent, medication and other medical costs.”
He plans to visit his old school to say thanks once year-end exams have been completed.
Slooten added, “Now the challenge is given to all of our Kes old boys to match the total raised by the boys. Can the ‘Old Boy Army’ match or double the R23 821 raised? We hope they do.”
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Details: If you would like to contribute to the fund, contact the school on 011 551 5800.
