Children’s Hospital Trust Marks 30 Years of Impact by Sharing Inspiring Story

Photo Credit: Children’s Hospital Trust (video screenshot)

Hlelo, a vibrant 12-year-old from Brown’s Farm, was a soccer enthusiast. But his life took a sudden turn when he experienced heart failure. Thanks to the expert care at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and the generosity of donors, Hlelo received a heart transplant, has made a remarkable recovery and is once again chasing his soccer dreams!

Cape Town, South Africa (17 December 2024) – As things slow down and the year draws to a close, The Children’s Hospital Trust takes this season of giving and gratitude to reflect on 30 years of transformative impact by sharing the story of Hlelo, one of the millions of children whose lives have been changed forever, thanks to the unwavering support of its donors.

Hlelo, a 12-year-old boy from Brown’s Farm in Philippi, was full of life and loved playing soccer with his friends. But his world turned upside down when he suddenly went into heart failure in 2022, describing a burning sensation in his chest to his mother.

Within days, Hlelo was in the hospital, connected to machines that were keeping him alive. The gift of a heart transplant saved his life, and so did the exceptional care he received at the newly built emergency centre, ICU, and theatre complex at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital—all facilities made possible by the Trust and its donors.

Now, just two years later, Hlelo is back on the soccer field, chasing his dreams. See his remarkable journey in the video below:

Reflecting on 30 Years of Achievement

Since its establishment in 1994, the Children’s Hospital Trust has been a beacon of hope. Initially founded to support the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, the Trust has invested over R1 billion in more than 50 vital equipment and building projects at health facilities in the Western Cape, including Groote Schuur Hospital, Victoria Hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Intermediate Paediatric Care Centre as well as training projects to equip healthcare professionals across the African continent.

Thanks to their donor’s generosity, the Trust has touched the lives of over 5.5 million children, providing them with access to world-class healthcare.

Reflecting over the past 30 years, with the support of donors, the Trust has achieved more than what seemed possible. From the care provided to millions of children to the state-of-the-art facilities built and training programmes developed to support them, these achievements are a testament to the power of collective generosity.

Make a Difference This Festive Season

This festive season, you can make a lasting impact on a child’s life by donating to the Children’s Hospital Trust through its Give a Gift that Matters campaign, marking 30 years of transformative impact.