I got a call to ask if I would like to be a part of the Expresso Morning Show Live Telethon for Joost van der Westhuizen’s J9 Foundation. I didn’t have to think twice and I’m honoured that I was asked to be a part of the live show.
Joost is a legend in our country. He is a hero and an amazing former Springbok rugby player. My late gran adored Joost and that’s the only reason she loved watching rugby!
2 years ago, he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and it’s awful to see how this once strong, fit and healthy icon has deteriorated.
He still has his great smile and sense of humour. He cheekily pulled his tongue at me when I took a fun photo of him and laughed.
I arrived on set early at 05h30. Francois Pienaar, Ian Bredenkamp, Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, the ladies from Sterling EQ, Siv Ngesi, Tracy McGregor and I sat answering phones to take people’s pledges for the J9 Foundation.
I was absolutely blown away by people’s generosity and love. I had little girls and boys from the age of 5- 10 phoning in to donate their R10 lunch money for school or their R20 pocket money. Pensioners calling in saying they don’t have much, but they’ll donate something. Families donating because MND has affected them too. Fans of Joost who poured out their love and support. We even had people donating wheelchairs and medical equipment.
What they don’t know is that every cent counted and we raised an astounding R222 930.
If you want to make a pledge or even donate medical equipment please email info@joost.co.za and get onto the J9 Foundation website so that you can see what they’re doing, where the money is going and how they’re helping.
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