Springbok legend now on oxygen
According to the South African magazine the YOU, the 45-year-old Springbok has been reliant on oxygen for some time, but the family opted to keep the news quiet for the sake of his children, Jordan (12) and Kylie (10).
Van der Westhuizen represented South Africa in 89 test matches, scoring 38 tries, and was a member of the victorious South African rugby team at the 1995 World Cup.
Earlier this month, the TimesLive reported that the Department of Health has announced that it has joined forces with Van der Westhuizen in launching a motor neuron disease clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
So far, the Rugby fraternity and South Africa have been sending heartfelt messages via social media to Van der Westhuizen.
"In your prayers please think of the legend," Springbok Toks van der Linde wrote on his Facebook page.
On Thursday night singer Arno Jordaan tweeted: "Think of the fighter and his family tonight.
"Things are very bad for Joost. You’ve battled for as long time, fighter; just hang in there," Jordaan added.
Source: Timeslive.co.za
