Popular Cape Town drummer Larnelle Gordon says he never dreamt an illness would stop him from doing what he loves most at the age of 31.
The musician is in dire need of financial assistance to cover medical costs after he was left wheelchair-bound by a dreadful illness that has paralysed his body with pain.
The father of two from Goodwood was diagnosed with severe gout when he was 16 years old.
However, he was determined to follow his music dream and has played drums for some of the biggest acts in South Africa, including Blackcurrant, Take Note band, Claire Phillips, Lady Zamar, Jimmy Dludlu, Alistair Izobell, Robin Pieters, PJ Powers, Jamali, Loyiso Bala, Danny K, Lloyd Cele and Jonathan Butler.
Larnelle and his wife Alyssa Gordon, 29, welcomed their second child a month ago and his other son is two years old.
A week after the birth, the young dad was admitted to hospital.
He tells the Daily Voice: “It started at the age of 16 while I was studying at the Cape Town Music Institute (CMI).
“I felt an unbearable pain in my toe and was later diagnosed with severe gout due to an excessive amount of uric acid in my body.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing drums for amazing artists.
“Now my faith has been put to the test because I'm unable to play due to a severe gout attack that had me hospitalised for a week and left me stuck in a wheelchair.
“When I try to get up, it feels like my legs want to give in. My knees, feet and hands are swollen and usually it lasts only a few days, but this time it's not coming right.
“I usually play drums with swollen joints, my fellow muso colleagues can testify.
“I’ve had to cancel all my gigs. The rheumatologist said I need a knee replacement.
“I also need to go for regular check ups and uric acid drainage and there's a special cocktail of medication which costs quite a penny.”
The drainage costs R1000 per consultation while his medicine costs around R1200 per month.
Because he’s unable to work, his fellow musicians arranged a benefit concert at the Tabernacle of Praise Church in Alexandra Street, Parow on Sunday at 5pm.
Entry is free and a special offering will be taken up for him.
Artists who will perform include Aloe April, Wilmot Fredericks, August West, John Gordon, Jeodhouse Band and Charlton Daniels.
Donate to: S. Gordon, Capitec savings, account number 1706359606, branch code 470010.