“I was told that if I attend my matric farewell, it would be in a wheelchair, but God had other plans for me.”
So said a Kraaifontein rugby star who nearly lost his life in a horrific car accident in February, that left him with two broken legs.
The family of 18-year-old Doran Freeman celebrated his matric ball last week where, against all odds, the 18-year-old was able to walk.
Doran, who attends Scottsville High School, was nearly killed when he was knocked off a curb in Van Der Merwe Street when three vehicles collided.
He was set to captain the South African under-19 team against Argentina that week and says he believed his rugby dream was over.
Following a 25-day stay at Tygerberg Hospital, doctors managed to fix his broken legs with metal pins, and now the athlete is well on his way to recovery.
On Tuesday, he wore a snazzy tuxedo and shorts instead of trousers, and walked with the help of a cane, which brought tears of joy to his family and neighbours.
PROUD: Doran en ma Evangeline
He was accompanied by his cousin, Lynde Clements, who looked stunning in a body hugging red gown.
Speaking about his accident, his proud mother, Evangeline Freeman, 53, says: “I got a call that Saturday afternoon and thought my child was going to die.
“The firefighters worked tirelessly, they saved his life and managed to save his leg as well.”
Doran says all he could think about as he lay helplessly on the ground, was his hopes and dreams going up in flames.
SCENE: 3-car crash nearly killed Doran Freeman
“I thought that was it. I would never play again. My friends, teachers and the principal all came together and prayed for me. This carried me through the pain and gave me hope.”
The teen still goes for fresh bandage dressings every two days, but is already gearing up for his return to the rugby field.
“It’s going to be two years of repair, but I’m not in a hurry. I have faith. God has brought me through this accident and He will see me back onto the rugby field.”