Joost van der Westhuizen “Putting Up an Incredible Fight”

Former Springbok rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen remains in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at hospital in a critical but stable condition, according to his J9 Foundation. UPDATE: Joost van der Westhuizen has sadly died at the age of 45.

“He is responding well to his loved ones and putting up an incredible fight. He really is our Superman!” J9 said, just before 09h00 (SA time).

J9 Update Sunday evening: “Joost has been much better today however he is tired and been resting this afternoon. Thank you for the continued support for him and his family.”

Joost was diagnosed with destructive degenerative disease Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2010, and set up the J9 Foundation to help fellow sufferers.

Famous for fighting for South Africa on the rugby field, he has become a hero in his home country for putting up an even braver battle, fighting MND off the field.

The 45-year-old was rushed to hospital this weekend, in a critical condition.

Throughout his ordeal this year, the suffering of his family and friends has been exacerbated by incorrect media reports and social media rumours.

J9 said last week: “There seem to be a lot of people out there who 1. Fabricate stories and 2. share stuff without double checking facts adding to the problem. Please stop doing this, you cannot imagine the problems it causes for us and more importantly Joost and his family.

“It is a terrible disease to deal with as it is and to have the extra stress and admin on top of it when it can be avoided is selfish of those sharing these false stories.”

Two weeks ago, Joost (or someone administering his Twitter account) fought back against South African media reports that he was already in hospital, saying: “Thank you everyone for caring. I just want to make something clear. I’m NOT placed on oxygen. I’m fine and still going strong!!!”

For those who would like to support Joost and his family, the J9 Foundation is running extremely low on funding and issued a plea on 25 January, saying: “All our plans for this year are placed on hold and we can only continue the work we do with your help and support.” They would also greatly appreciate donations of venues, equipment, entertainment, cash, transport or food. Visit: http://joost.co.za/donate/

There has been an outpouring of support from around the world, with BBC Sport saying: “Our thoughts are with him.”

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