Four extraordinary women, Shoneé Cornelissen, Katherine Persson, Eva Dirksen, and Georgina Smith, took on a monumental challenge to support two severely injured rugby players, Mandla Nyaniso and Marius “MJ” Van Staden. The funds raised through the swim will help a great deal in them adapting to their new realities.
Cape Town, South Africa (27 November 2024) – South Africans’ ability to compassionately help carry the burdens of those facing extremely challenging circumstances is truly unmatched. Four inspiring women took to the waters of Cape Town to quite literally “make waves for wheelchairs” to support two injured rugby players.
Shoneé Cornelissen, Katherine Persson, Eva Dirksen and Georgina Smith embarked on a gruelling 66km swim from Millers Point to Rooi Els and back. They endured hours in the open water to raise funds for former rugby players Mandla Nyaniso and Marius “MJ” Van Staden, who were catastrophically injured this year and will never get to play the game they love again.
According to The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, Mandla from East London sustained his injury while playing hooker for the Star Bombers. In the first five minutes of the game, during a scrum, he was forced to pop up due to the pressure and sustained a C6/7 bifacet dislocation.
MJ received a front-on tackle while playing for his school against Hoerskool Monument, where his head was placed on the wrong side of the tackled player. He received a discectomy in July, where they removed C5 completely and inserted an anterior plate.
The fearless swimmers’ dedication and compassion were instrumental in raising a staggering R148,448 toward The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund Waves 4 Wheelchairs Challenge.
Both Mandla and MJ, who require wheelchairs, new beds, and transfer boards, among other supplies, can now look forward to adjusting to their new way of life when they return home.
“This incredible amount wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support of our donors. And of course, a massive thank you to all the other individuals who contributed to this incredible cause! We also want to express our immense gratitude to the incredible #Relay Mermaids for pushing their limits and being champions for The Players’ Fund.
“Your kindness is making a real impact in the lives of Mandla and MJ, providing them with essential equipment and support as they adapt to their new normal,” The Players’ Fund said.
Sources: The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund
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