Lending a little hero a helping hand

FOR the past two years the Travonne Sevens Rugby Tournament has taken place in Hawston and Mount Pleasant to raise funds for him.

Last year a “Travonne Dream Team” was picked to compete in this year’s competition.

On Christmas Eve ,Tygerberg RFC visited Travonne in hospital after they heard about his story on Facebook.

The club’s under-20 manager, Wayne Titus, said: “We looked for sevens tournaments and came across one in Hermanus that was in aid of Travonne, but did not take part due to injuries.

“We then went to visit him and donated some of our prize money from the WPRFU Sevens competition, brought the little guy a ball and a SA rugby jersey signed by playmaker Justin Geduld,” he said.

Geduld accompanied the WPRFU 2018 sevens champions when visiting. He said Travonne had touched him deeply because he is living on machines that help him to breath.

“He can still have a smile on his face no matter his situation. He is the happiest, friendliest and funniest child I ever met considering his condition,” he said.

First at Sports Training (FAST) owner and Bellville Athletics Club coach Alroy Dixon said after the club’s meet last year he received a number of pictures of the event, but the one that stood out was when he saw Travonne wearing one of the medals.

A few days later, Dixon and his colleague, Aneesah Haupt, paid a visit to the hospital, where they brought a box full of goodies such as yoghurts, cheese, milk, juices, caps and T-shirts.

“The little guy gets up to fight this battle of life, which is a winning person for me. One should live life to the fullest and if you can help someone out there do it, don’t hesitate,” he said.

Simone Rhoda said car enthusiasts Static Nation and musical group Vocal Associates has also played a part in helping Travonne.

“The support and prayers are amazing and something we never expected. The donations are all blessings and we are so grateful,” said Rhoda, whose latest project is a stationery drive.

“We also want to give back to the community because you can’t always be on the receiving side. We as a family are collecting stationary for a needy Grade R class. Those who want to support this worthy cause can drop off donations at Melomed Bellville,” she added.