After a life altering rugby injury, Furlo Theron makes the most of a good opportunity. The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund shares the story of hope
In November of last year, Tori Gardner, the marketing manager for the Players’ Fund, visited the Fund beneficiary, Furlo Theron, at his home in Abbotsdale near Malmesburg in the Western Cape. She was joined by Springbok Rugby World Cup winner and World Rugby’s men’s 15 Player of the Year 2019, Pieter Steph du Toit.
At the time of Furlo’s injury in July 2016, he was a multi-talented sportsman with a passion for most competitive ball games. He excelled on the cricket pitch representing Boland cricket in the under 11 (U11), U13, U16 and U19 age groups.
He was also a very keen golfer. He took any opportunity he could get to play a round with his friends. Being fit and well-conditioned for his sporting activities was always a top priority for Furlo. He was known for always doing so with a smile and a well-timed joke.
A freak accident on the rugby field in St Helena Bay ended his sporting career. Life as he knew it changed dramatically. During the first half of a match, a tackle resulted in him sustaining a spinal injury that left him completely paralysed and reliant on a wheelchair for mobility. Suddenly, he faced a future for which no one could have prepared him.
The Players’ Fund joined Furlo on his journey very shortly after the accident. They paid him a number of visits while he was undergoing rehabilitation at the Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Pinelands in Cape Town.
During these difficult days, despite all the scary changes that were occurring in his world, Furlo’s sense of humour, determined character and friendly nature shone through. He displayed incredible bravery when invited to attend the Cell C Sharks Captain’s run at DHL Newlands only two months after the accident.
It was his first trip out of hospital in a new wheelchair and in his “new body”. All those around him could see the reality of the situation sinking in, however he attended the practice flanked by his supportive and loving family. He was revered as a “hero” and an “inspiration” for his determined positivity by all the Cell C Sharks players who met him.
After returning to his home in Abbotsdale, Furlo started working with Jo Dolphin – a local NPO and school for children with disabilities. He remains an active member of the organisation till this day.
Another opportunity arose when, together with his friend and occupational therapist, Hilletje Wiehahn, Furlo created Grace Adaptive Clothing and Equipment. This online store offers a range of products catering for people with disabilities and individuals with limited mobility post-surgery.
In order to kick-start this exciting joint venture, the Players’ Fund gifted Furlo with a laptop while the Players 4 Players – a loyal fundraising friend of the Fund – arranged for a 10 week GetSmarter UCT Digital Marketing Course.
Murray Turner, Players 4 Players member and digital engagement manager at 2U (GetSmarter), arranged the generous donation. He says: “As a former rugby player and avid member of many teams, I know the true value of knowing when someone ‘has your back’.
“Over the last 10 years, I’ve seen first-hand how the Players’ Fund has become the team behind all rugby players who are seriously injured on the field. It is an honour to be able to help facilitate this course for Furlo where he will gain relevant knowledge applicable to his new business.”
Furlo received his new laptop ahead of starting the Digital Marketing Course in November 2020.
In February 2021, Furlo completed the Digital Marketing course with a 72 percent average mark – an astounding effort. He notes: “The content opened up a new world to me and also helped me understand how targeted marketing happens online.
“I now understand why I often see things ‘popping up’ while I am on the internet. It’s no accident. The GetSmarter Digital Marketing course is packed full of valuable information and gives step by step guidelines on how to apply that knowledge in business.”
He reflects on the opportunity as a person with a disability: “Fighting this fight called disability is made so much easier with people like Murray who has invested in my future. I am really so grateful”.
Furlo is just one of many positive stories that the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund is able to share thanks to the rugby community at large. In order to continue this supporting role, the Fund appeals to the rugby loving public to choose this organisation for charitable giving, whether large or small. Visit the website for more information or to donate at www.playersfund.org.za.
