On Thursday, 14 October 2021, the South African Rugby Legends (SARLA) collaborated with Glenwood High School and Hollywoodbets to bring hope to Andy Booth, a former SARLA volunteer and supporter. The three organisations rallied together and hosted a fundraising breakfast at the High School, in an effort to raise funds for Andy. Andy was negatively impacted by COVID-19 last December and suffered a stroke, which left him almost paralysed.
Andy has been involved with SARLA since the association was founded 20 years ago. He was the team manager for the SA Rugby Legends teams when they participated in games, both in our beautiful country and abroad. Several Durban Rugby legends joined forces to support the event, which included former Springbok Coach, Ian McIntosh, two former Springbok players and Glenwood High School alumni, John Allan and Warren Whiteley, and current Springbok player and former Glenwood High School alumni, Jaden Hendrikse. Former Springbok flyhalf, Pat Lambie, was also in attendance. The atmosphere was light and easy as players engaged in conversation about the current state of the game, their fond memories and the shift from the South African franchises playing in the southern hemisphere Super Rugby competition to the northern hemisphere Vodacom United Rugby Championships.
At the event, auction items were up for grabs, in order to raise funds for Andy. Some prized rugby memorabilia formed part of the auction and contributed towards a total of R300 000 that was raised at the breakfast. The CEO of the Sharks, Dr Eduard Coetzee, showed much generosity and kindness after choosing to contribute R50 000 to the event from the Sharks’ Hands of Hope initiative. He also offered to support Andy with his rehabilitation process by allowing him access to the services of the Sharks’ Medical Centre.
