Latest news with #BackABuddy
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Baby Ayden born at 25 weeks and needs help
Baby Ayden born at 25 weeks and needs help Ayden van Tonder was born on June 7 (yesterday) weighing only 850g, and with his lungs not fully developed yet, he will need to remain in the Neonatal ICU of Life Midmed Hospital for the next two to three weeks. According to Ayden's mother, Chané Janse van Vuuren, they do not have a medical aid and Ayden cannot be moved because his condition is too critical. Chané's husband, Elijah van Tonder, rushed her to the Middelburg Provincial Hospital when she started bleeding. Several hours after her admission, Chané called her husband in pain fearing for her own life and the life of her unborn baby. 'I was curled up in pain and bleeding a lot, and we initially thought I was having a miscarriage,' Chané explained. Elijah took Chané to Life Midmed Hospital where baby Ayden was born, and has since received treatment. 'He is too high risk to move, and his lungs aren't fully developed yet.' According to Chané, the three week stay in Neonatal ICU will amount to a total of R600 000. The couple have to pay a deposit of R180 000 by Monday. A BackABuddy profile has been opened to help raise funds for Ayden's hospital stay. Anyone wishing to contribute directly to Life Midmed Hospital's account can do so using the reference: baby Ayden. Ayden's BackABuddy profile can be viewed here: At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
All eyes are on Bidi as he tackles the Comrades this Sunday
All eyes are on Bidi as he tackles the Comrades this Sunday The time has arrived for eMalahleni's blind athlete to face one of the greatest adventures of his life. Bidi Barrett will compete in the Comrades Marathon this coming Sunday. After months of preparation and fine-tuning the details, Bidi and his two guides, Jean-Michel Masson and Susan van der Spuy, are tackling the gruelling race from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to Durban. This will be the 49th down run and is slightly longer than the previous down run in 2023, as the finish has been moved to a street outside People's Park. Bidi and his team will be running 89.98km. eMalahleni made this dream possible for the runner who lost his sight at birth. After Bidi crossed the finish line at the Kaapsehoop 42km race in November, he earned his place in the Comrades. A BackABuddy crowd fundraiser was started as Bidi needed financial assistance with this journey. The amount was raised in a jiffy and the 37-year-old runner was kitted out, and his entry and accommodation paid. 'And so Team Bidi Barrett sets off on our journey to the ultimate human race. What a privilege and honour it is to be part of this courageous, resilient, and inspirational story. All in all, powered by the Holy Spirit,' Jean-Michel said. Bidi thanked everyone who supported him in this dream come true. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
At the lowest point in life, ever
Despite being hospitalised for a broken leg 10 times and after six operations more than a year later, Jonathan Willemse is at the lowest ever point in his life. • Also read: 'In and out of hell' The Krugersdorp News first reported on Willemse's struggles in August, following an accident where he broke his leg in March 2024 and his continued battles with, according to him, inadequate public healthcare. Providing the News with an update, Willemse explained that the pain is unbearable and worse than ever, and requires proper medical assistance. 'It's so painful I battle to move around or even move my leg when I lie down,' he said. With all this constant pain and inability to move, Willemse added that his life has come to a standstill. My life feels like a joke, and as I said before, I lost everything. 'I haven't started to work and I can't even stand properly. With the last operation, one leg is shorter than the other, thus I cannot balance myself. Now I can't even go to the toilet properly because as I stand up, I lose balance and feel like I want to fall all the time,' he added. Willemse revealed he used to have everything and even lived in an estate; however, with his loss of income, and subsequently his home, he had to resort to living in a Zozo hut at the moment. 'The toilet is in a separate building, and when I want to bathe, there is no warm water. I can only wash myself every couple of days, as I need someone to carry me around and cannot help myself to walk,' he stated. His only form of income is a government grant, and with expenses like rent and electricity, he struggles to get through the month. Willemse thus needs funds to seek medical attention for his leg or even advice from any local doctors. 'I want my leg and life back – that's all.' A friend of Willemse's has since launched a BackABuddy campaign titled Help save Jonathan's leg, where any resident can help financially assist him. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
06-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
RIP: University rugby player dies after neck injury
Extremely concerning reports came to light this past weekend highlighting that North-West University student Vilano Saunders had suffered a serious neck injury during an Under-21 rugby match on Saturday, 3 May. A 'BackABuddy' campaign was quickly set up in order to provide financial support, but it's since been tragically confirmed that Saunders passed away in hospital on Monday. A North-West University spokesperson confirmed the tragic death, with the 20-year-old having suffered the injury in a scrum. Although he most regularly played at loose forward, Saunders had moved to the front row. According to the 'BackABuddy' post shared before he passed away, the following message provided insight as to what happened. 'Tragically, on Saturday, 3 May 2025, during a match at the NWU campus, Vilano suffered a catastrophic neck injury within the first 30 minutes of play. He was urgently taken to Midvaal Hospital where initial CT scans revealed the severity of his condition. Due to the urgent need for specialised care and the high cost of treatment at Midvaal, he was transferred to Sebokeng Hospital.' The Vanderbijlpark Mustangs – who were the opposing team when the injury occurred – extended their condolences on his death. 'The entire Vanderbijlpark Mustang Rugby Club mourns with you during this heartbreaking time. Rugby is more than just a sport — it is a brotherhood. When one of us fall, we all feel the loss. The courage, passion, and dedication you showed on and off the field are remembered and deeply respected. 'May his memory live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and may his legacy inspire strength and unity in your team and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, teammates, coaches, and friends as you navigate this painful loss. 'Please know that we stand with you in solidarity and offer our full support during this time of grief.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
