East Londoners have rallied together to raise more than R150,000 in just 72 hours to support George Randall High School matric pupil and Border Angling medallist Dylan Botha, who is fighting for his life in a coma after a devastating car accident this past weekend.
Dylan and two others were on their way home following a provincial club angling league event between Begha and Mgwalana on January 18 when they allegedly lost control of their vehicle, slammed into the barrier lane of incoming traffic and rolled.
SAPS had not confirmed official details of the cause of the accident by time of print.
Dylan was admitted to Frere Hospital with significant brain trauma and in an induced coma. His condition remains largely unchanged however, yesterday he started breathing shallowly on his own and doctors believe there is a possibility that the swelling on the brain is slowly alleviating.
Dylan remains on a ventilator to assist his damaged lungs.
His father, Andre Botha said: “The swelling in the face has come down a lot and he nearly looks like we all know him.
“Any slight improvement is a massive plus at this stage. We know prayer helps, as Dylan was spared another day. We were informed by the neurosurgeon that there was no expectation for him to have survived on Saturday night.
“He is still between life and death so every second makes a difference. Thanks to God, the Frere Hospital ICU staff and the prayers of the public. The faith of everyone has kept Dylan with us, still. God bless you all.”
In the wake of Dylan’s accident, members of the public and local businesses have generously donated money towards his steep medical expenses which the family has estimated will cost almost R250,000.
On January 20, local business Bilimoria Fishing Tackle hosted a virtual auction launched in aid of Dylan which has garnered more than R52,000. The company is in talks to host a national competition of which the larger share of the proceeds will be donated towards Dylan’s medical expenses.
Bilimoria’s marketing director Andrew MacLachlan said the company was astounded by the outpouring of support from within the fishing community.
MacLachlan said: “One lady actually bid R7,500 on one of the items on auction. She called me mid auction and said she would donate this amount and allow for the item to be re-auctioned and it sold again for R8,000.
“It was important for us as a company to get behind Dylan because he has his whole life ahead of him.
“It was amazing to see the angling community come together. There was no bias on the basis of club affiliation or region. We are all wishing Dylan a speedy recovery so that he can get back to fishing which is something that he loves.”
A Back-a-Buddy fundraising page was started on Sunday and to date the fund has raised close to R110,000.
Security company Red Alert Service Solution in East London has donated R10,000 and said: “We hope our support might inspire others to join in helping.”
George Randell High School deputy principal Karen Hendricks said the school community was in mourning and had mobilised funds to donate towards their schoolmate’s recovery. Hendricks said: “He is a respectful young man, a good pupil, an avid fisherman, I truly cannot say anything bad about him.
“The school has united in the midst of this devastating tragedy and are sending out prayers, positive energy and well wishes to Botha and his family.
“We believe that he will pull through. We hope to see him back at school soon.”
