Cape Town – Joost van der Westerhuizen is a South African rugby legend.
In April 2011 the world was shocked to learn about his motor neuron disease (MND) prognosis. The disease destroys parts of the nervous system that control activities such as speaking, walking, breathing and swallowing. There is no cure for it.
Specialists said that Joost would be in a wheelchair within a year and that he would not live to see his 42nd birthday. Against the odds he celebrated his 42nd birthday in style and travelled internationally with the J9 Foundation to meet the top researchers who are working on finding a cure for the disease.
Joost: Spel van Glorie, a film about his life after his diagnosis will debut at the kykNet Silwerskerm festival this weekend.
Joost has become an inspiration for many on and off the field. The tenacity which made him a force to be reckoned with on the field he now uses to fight for his own survival and to make a difference in the lives of others also living with the disease.
Watch the trailer here:
The Silwerskerm Festival takes place from Wednesday 27 August until Saturday 30 August at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay. View the programme here and buy tickets for the festival here.