Soccer player Chad Block from Hanover Park is going to Thailand and it’s all thanks to the Daily Voice and a generous Australian dentist.
The 14-year-old was handpicked by Sasfa (South African Schools Football Association) to participate in the 2017 Phuket Cup International in December.
But Chad, who comes from a gang-ridden and poverty-stricken area, feared he would miss his chance due a lack of funds.
He needed R26 000 to go on the trip.
But all that changed after Ismail Larney, 63, read his story on the Daily Voice website.
Three days after the story was published, Chad’s mom received a call from the generous dentist who has vowed to help the klong reach his goal.
Originally from Bridgetown but now living Down Under, Ismail says he knows what it’s like growing up poor.
GIVING BACK: Ismail Larney,63
“I know the pangs of hunger and empathise with all of the hungry people on the Cape Flats,” says Ismail.
“I was the youngest of six children, my dad died a month before I was born and in my first year, we were homeless.
“My family and I moved to 42 Duiker Road in Bridgetown where my mother did sewing from home so that we could eventually afford to move to Penlyn Estate, near Hanover Park.
“I went to Bridgetown East Primary School and thereafter to Athlone High School.
“I failed standard nine [Grade 11] as I was a mediocre to poor student.”
Ismail says he wants to encourage others with his story.
“I studied Dental Technology in London [England] and later Clinical Dental Prosthetics in Australia, as well as a Degree in Education.
“My mum’s rules to us were very clear: “Go to school or she will kill us!”
Ismail is now a lecturer and in his free time, makes free tanne for the less fortunate in Oz.
Chad’s mother Bonita Block 42, says the family was overjoyed when Ismail called them.
“Chad is unable to speak but his gratitude shows everything, and this moves me to tears,” says the mom.
“Thank you to the Daily Voice for telling our story, we wouldn’t have achieved this dream without your interest in us and also a huge thank you to Mr Larney.”
Ismail has offered to pay the full amount required for the trip.
“I am sponsoring Chad with an immediate R2500 and thereafter with the shortfall for the cost of his trip,” he says.
The 2017 Phuket Cup International takes place on 1-3 December but Chad is set to leave for Thailand on 27 November.