Starstruck and loving every moment
A young and courageous boy's dreams come true when he meets his idol and favourite rugby team while recovering from a kidney transplant.
In the touching and inspiring story of nine-year-old Blayke Fourie, whose bravery and resilience have shown that dreams can come true, he met his idol, Springboks and Sharks rugby player Eben Etzebeth, and the Sharks team on May 10.
Blayke is currently recovering from a kidney transplant after battling with kidney failure for four years until he received a kidney from his father, Paul Fourie, in December 2023.
Paul and his son made their way to King Shaka International Airport with the help of Reach For A Dream, which hosted their Slipper Day campaign.
Every year, Reach For A Dream hosts a fun fundraising event called Slipper Day, when everyone from business teams to school children wear slippers and Slipper Day stickers on the day to benefit chronically ill children who are in dire need of encouragement and hope.
“I was just as excited as Blayke was because we are both huge rugby supporters and seeing my son so happy and inspired made me a happy dad,” Paul said.
Blayke and Paul, dressed in Sharks jerseys, took a private tour of Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium before meeting and observing some of their Springbok idols as the Sharks team was in training.
Blayke has bravely persevered through difficult times with a smile on his face and possesses all the traits that he admires in his hero Eben, such as strength, courage, and a never-give-up attitude.
“Meeting my all-time favourite player was a dream come true. He is my hero because he is so strong and brave and that is how I wish to be,” Blayke said.
Reach For A Dream CEO Julia Sotirianakos underlines the significance of realising these dreams.
“The realisation of Blayke’s desire serves as a reminder of the transformative power of events like Slipper Day, which strives to give children fighting serious illnesses a little happiness, relief, and hope.
“Since its founding in 1988, Reach For A Dream has helped 27 670 kids just like Blayke find a momentary reprieve from the difficulties they encounter. Dreams give sick children motivation and hope by letting them know they’re not fighting this battle alone. We encourage everyone to participate in Slipper Day and help these brave young people,” she said
Two-time World Cup title holder, Eben, known for his huge presence and leadership on the field, was moved by Blayke’s story and encouraged him to stay brave in everything that he does.
“His tenacity is quite admirable. Being a parent and spending time with your children is incredible. I have always stood by the narrative that having a child is a blessing, and seeing how happy Blayke let me know that the little that we do makes a bigger impact in his life,” Eben said.
