The second West Rand Blood Drive a success
"Donated blood saved my life" – injured rugby player.
Wilro Park — More South African lives possibly could be saved in future thanks to the generous public of Roodepoort who donated blood at the second West Rand Blood Drive held at ATKA SA Cross Channel Marketing Specialists in Wilro Park on Friday 29 November.
The event proudly was sponsored by ATKA SA, Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Rocci) as well as the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
Among those supporting the cause of giving life included the general public, celebrities, public departments, numerous businesses and political parties.
One of the celebrities was Matt Stern who played the role of Hendrick Booyens in the famous Clint Eastwood film Invictus.
The Record also met people such as Jzaun Dreyer (24) with stories that really pulled at the heartstrings. He has been disabled and in a wheelchair for the past eight years following a horrific rugby injury. Jzaun says, “Blood donated saved my life”.
He explains how he broke his neck during a rugby match while playing for Hoërskool President's first team.
“I was running with the ball and an opposite player pulled me towards the ground by the jersey. Another player's knee simultaneously hit me from the front. This led to my lower body being paralysed. I then experienced all kinds of problems after the operations, the worst being a damaged bladder that bled continuously.”
Despite the injury Dreyer sustained in the sport, he feels positive and hopes that one day he will recover. He is a comedian now and also donated blood on the day.
