Springbok star Joost van der Westhuizen plays out his last days
Joost van der Westhuizen was diagnosed with deadly motor neurone disease two years ago
Former Springbok skipper Joost van der Westhuizen is approaching the end of his life, two years after being diagnosed with deadly motor neurone disease.
"I realise every day could be my last," the South African rugby hero said. "It's been a rollercoaster from day one and I know I'm on a deathbed from now on," he told the BBC.
I realise every day could be my last. It's been a rollercoaster from day one and I know I'm on a deathbed from now on
Motor neurone disease damages parts of the nervous system, gradually leading to paralysis, speech and swallowing difficulties and breathing problems. It is incurable and almost always fatal.
The scrumhalf was given two to five years to live when he was diagnosed in 2011. Today, the 42-year-old slurs when he speaks, is wheelchair-bound and so weak he can barely lift food to his mouth.
But the star player, who was part of the winning team in the 1995 Rugby World Cup and captained the Springboks in the tournament four years later, is at peace.
"I've had my highs and I have had my lows, but no more. I'm a firm believer that there's a bigger purpose in my life and I am very positive, very happy," he said.
Van der Westhuizen scored 38 test tries in 89 appearances in the green and gold by the time he retired in 2003.