Bill Du Plessis, a 36-year-old data analyst from Boksburg, faced a devastating accident that changed the course of his life forever, leaving him with an amputated leg and the hope of acquiring a new prosthetic leg.
Pictured above: Bill Du Plessis
Six years ago in 2017, Bill faced a life-altering event – a motorbike accident which took place during a motorsport photography session that set in motion a series of challenges that would test the limits of his courage. The accident left Bill with the bones in his left ankle shattered and was told that he could not get an ankle replacement because he was under 50. This left him with only one option, to have his ankle fused back together. However, during the third operation which took place in a government hospital aspiring medical students who were operating on Bill, inadvertently damaged the main arteries in his left leg, casting an unforeseen shadow over Bill’s future.
“My life has changed a lot. Before the accident I was a very active person, running with my dog and playing indoor soccer. But, since the operation to fuse my ankle, I have not been able to run or play soccer at all anymore.” says Bill.
Pictured above: Bill with his dog Blaze at the beach
Fast forward to December 2022, a month that marked the onset of a new and agonizing chapter. The blood supply to Bill’s foot, the same leg that bore the scars of those earlier operations, ceased. February 2023, however, brought a glimmer of hope with a bypass attempt on one of the three arteries from below Bill’s knee to his foot. However, after wasting time and putting Bill on a waiting list for the bypass, it was too late when they operated as two of the arteries totally collapsed and were not functioning at all and the third one was so brittle that they could not attempt the bypass on it. A subsequent operation, just three days later, was necessitated by the formation of a hematoma under one of the incisions. The pain that followed over the next month was unbearable, leading to the inevitable – the urgent amputation of Bill’s leg in March 2023.
“We often take things for granted in life until they are taken away from us. Even the simplest things, like holding my girlfriend’s hand while walking, seems like a luxury now. My life has completely changed after the accident, and thereafter the amputation. I am no longer the same person. Everything is much harder for me now, and even the people in my life have changed. Some I thought would support me are nowhere to be seen. I have been on crutches for so long that I do not even remember what it feels like to walk. Although I consider myself a strong person, there are days when it all gets too much for me.” explains Bill.
The past 10 months have been a relentless battle, with wound care and physiotherapy becoming the norm, a painful routine that Bill endures three times a week. Amidst this struggle, tragedy struck again as Bill’s father, Marius Du Plessis, a pillar of support, passed away at 59-years-old in April 2023 due to heart failure, just 15 days after Bill’s amputation.
Pictured above: Bill with his dad Marius and his dog Blaze
Through the harrowing journey of physical and emotional pain, Bill remains strong. He faces each day with a determination that leaves everyone in awe. The gym has become his sanctuary, a place where he channels his resilience into daily training, embracing a healthy lifestyle that speaks volumes about his character.
“I wake up every morning at 4am to go to the gym. It gives me a sense of normality and allows me to push myself as much as my body allows. The gym is the only place where I have control over my body and can see changes and growth, both physically and mentally. I have always lived a fit and healthy lifestyle, and losing my leg was not going to stop me from continuing on that path. My goal is to inspire and motivate others in my position, to show them that they too can make a difference and continue getting stronger one day at a time.” Bill says.
Pictured above: Bill at his sanctuary, the gym
Yet, as Bill dreams of a future where he can run, hike, and simply hold hands while walking, the financial burden of medical bills looms large. The hope for a new prosthetic leg seems distant, with a quote of R126,500 standing between him and the freedom to move as he once did.
“I have been dealing with numerous medical bills for years and as a result, I can’t afford to buy a prosthetic leg. The prosthetic leg that I was quoted for will not only make me more active but also give me a sense of normalcy again. If I can raise enough money through BackaBuddy, it will give me hope and make my dream of walking again a reality.” explains Bill.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
Bill has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where he has already raised over R40 000 towards his R126 500 goal with the help of 12 wonderful donors.
Pictured above: Bill with his girlfriend Kathrine Robinson
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to those who have contributed to my campaign. It’s the kind and empathetic people who are willing to put themselves in someone else’s “shoes” that truly leave a lasting impression on my heart. Donating towards my prosthetics will give me a new lease on life and greatly aid in my journey towards recovery and increased mobility.” concludes Bill.
His pride and bravery radiate in the face of adversity, and his unwavering commitment to healing and recovery is nothing short of remarkable.