“I will play rugby,” was all Roodekrans-born Dehan Pretorius, 8, had to say to his physiotherapist, his cancer and his parents where they now stay in Queensland, Australia.
The little fighter was confirmed cancer-free in February and July and was chosen as the Wallabees’ official mascot for their game against England in the Rugby World Cup at Twickenham on 3 October. Former Wallabees captain George Gregan broke the news to the tyke himself when he visited one of his junior rugby club’s practices.
“I love rugby so much, it is my life,” Dehan declared in an interview broadcast on 7 Local News in his hometown of Bundaberg last week.
Parents Alex and Estelle moved Dehan to Bundaberg when he was just 18 months old. Sister Marlet, 4, was born in Australia.
His proud grandfather Gerhardt Breytenbach in Helderkruin told the Record he took over the hospital when he received both radiation and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with connective tissue cancer in his upper right arm July last year.
“He had a gymnastics injury and it is believed the tennis ball-sized tumour that developed in his right arm resulted from it,” Gerhardt said.
“Australian pathologists could not figure out the cause and a sample of the tumour was sent off to Harvard University, after which the tumour and part of his muscles were removed and therapy commenced.
“After rugby players learned of his injuries, he was visited by players from the Reds and Wallabees and they showed marvellous support for him.
“He could not be kept at bay; he has such a passion for rugby and a wonderful air about him that he was back on the field a mere three weeks after chemotherapy was completed.”
Dehan won a Land Rover-hosted video competition in which he had to motivate why he would make a great mascot.
“I hope to be able to inspire other kids still undergoing cancer treatment,” Dehan in the video said.
Grandfather Gerhardt said he and wife Elsa make plans at least once a year, if they can, to visit the children in Australia, but the young family often also make plans to fly to South Africa.
Dehan is a fan of the Wallabees, Springboks and All Blacks and lists his favourite players as Israel Folau (Wallabees) and Bryan Habana (Springboks).
“Last year we had to look all over the country for green shoes for him just like Bryan Habana,” Gerhardt said.
“We are so proud of him and how he’s handled treatments.”
This is Dehan’s winning entry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvBk5xr3iSg&feature=youtu.be
Watch Dehan’s story on Australian news programme 7 Local News — Wide Bay.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709.
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
