Cape Argus - A crowdfunding campaign has been started in support of a Deaf Rugby Sevens star from Bonteheuwel who sustained a horrific injury during an international competition.
Tashriq Parker, 24, who represented South Africa in the international Deaf Rugby Sevens series in Johannesburg, sustained a fractured skull during their 10s match against England.
Top teams from all around the world, including hosts South Africa, England, Australia and Japan, all competed in an enthralling series during the historic tournament.
Parker, who was one of the two players from the Western Cape chosen to represent their nation, was hit in the head when he tried to tackle an opponent.
“So I decided to take on the biggest guy as he was coming at full speed towards me.
“Obviously, I went for his legs and unfortunately his knee went against my head, then I felt my head and felt a huge dent inwards,” he explained.
Following his admission to a Johannesburg hospital, the speedy outside centre now requires surgery to repair the damage. However, the timing of this injury couldn’t be more difficult, as Parker recently became a father to a premature baby girl.
Parker said: “Surgery costs a lot, and right now I haven’t done the surgery yet because of funds.”
A BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has now been started by Mark Barnard, with a goal of R50000.
According to Barnard, Parker is facing a challenging recovery period that will prevent him from working.
“While we are grateful that Tashriq has medical aid to cover the immediate costs of his treatment, (but) the financial burden doesn’t end there.
“Tashriq will need ongoing support to cover the loss of income, post-hospital medications, doctor visits, transportation, and other essentials during his recovery,” Barnard wrote. “His family will also require assistance with travel expenses to visit him, as well as general support in the coming months.”
While the surgery is expected to be performed in Cape Town, Parker described the injury as a setback to his sporting career.
One of Parker’s coaches, Manny Weldschidt, continued by saying he had some concerns about his future.
You can support campaign Parker through https://www.backabuddy. co.za/campaign/tashriq-parker-recovery-fund\
byron.lukas@inl.co.za
Cape Argus