Derick Hougaard GoFundMe: How much cash has been donated?
· The South African
A GoFundMe campaign created to raise funds for embattled former Springbok Derick Hougaard continues to rake in donations from around the world.
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The retired rugby player has appealed to the public for assistance, after cryptically claiming that he was in “big trouble”.
The 43-year-old – once known as the Liefling van Loftus – retired from the sport in 2015 after a series of serious head injuries. He has since faced multiple health setbacks.
DERICK HOUGAARD GOFUNDME- HOW MUCH HAS IT RAISED?
At the time of publishing, the GoFundMe campaign set up in Derick Hougaard’s name has raised close to AUD $2 200, or around R25 000.
Its target has been set at AUD 28 000, roughly R320 000.
The campaign was set by Springbok fan Lizelle Gers, who lives in Australia.
One of the biggest donors was Ockert Kruger, a former Bulls player, who played alongside Derick during their stint at the Pretoria club. He donated AUD $511 (almost R6 000) towards his pal.
WHAT WILL THE DONATIONS BE USED FOR?
Derick Hougaard’s GoFundMe campaign is listed under the “rent, food and monthly bills” category.
Campaign founder Lizelle Gers shared: “He [Derick] has recently reached out for help, and I believe this is our opportunity to stand behind someone who once gave so much to South African rugby.
“If each of us contributes just a little, together we can make a meaningful difference. No donation is too small.
“Whether you’re in South Africa or anywhere else in the world, let’s show Derick that he is not alone and that the rugby community and South Africans never forget those who have proudly represented us”.
Since his health setback in 2023, when he spent weeks in a coma after contracting respiratory pneumonia, Derick has spent extensive time in rehabilitation.
He is also believed to have spent time in a psychiatric hospital over his addiction to prescription pills.
He has likely needed financial assistance for medical and rehabilitation expenses, and possibly the inability to work because of his health.