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Homeless Caddie qualifies for professional golf tour
Up until a year ago, Llewellyn Barnes (59) was a homeless man, living on the streets of Pretoria. Last March, against all odds, he participated amongst professional players in the Senior Tour, a major golf tournament.
A difficult childhood
At an early age, Llewellyn faced many obstacles. He became an orphan at the age of 10, after suffering the loss of his father who worked as a security guard. With his mom unable to take care of him and his siblings on her salary as a domestic worker, he was separated from his family.
He later found himself living in a hostel on Zwartkops golf course in Centurion and his sisters were placed in foster care in the Eastern Cape.
It was at Zwartkops, where Llewellyn’s love affair with golf began. He would attend school in the morning and in the afternoon, he would run to the golf course looking for caddie opportunities.
“I carried my first golf bag when I was only 10 years old. Those days, working as a caddie paid well. I was paid 30c for a day’s work, enough to buy bread and a cold drink. This is where my love for the game started. I dreamed that one day I would become a professional golfer“ – says Llewellyn
Pictured above: Llewellyn Barnes
At the age of 13, Llewellyn ran away from Zwartkops after suffering abuse from both teachers and students. He found himself in Durban, sleeping in a kombi and selling newspapers to support himself.
He later learned that his mother was staying in Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape and did his best to reunite with her.
“I never thought I would see my mom again. When I eventually found her, she was living with another man who didn’t have much time for us. They were always drinking and fighting and I knew I couldn’t stay there. I was soon sent to a school in Cape Town, but I didn’t stay long. What are you going to do when you are 18 and in Grade 8? I ran away.”- says Llewellyn
Llewellyn then went to stay with his grandmother, aunt and 3 cousins in East London. Instead of being welcomed, Llewellyn felt more like a liability and was pressured into finding a job. Being uneducated, his opportunities were limited and he struggled to find employment.
Experiencing hunger and homelessness
Instead of relying on his family, Llewellyn decided to go back to Zwartkops only to learn that the school had closed down in 1975. To make a small income, he returned to work as a caddie on the golf course.
“You don’t need to be educated when you are a caddie, you just need to know the game. I caddied for a couple of years, sleeping under a tree after a day on the golf course. On cold winter nights, the other caddies and I would make huge fires to stay warm, it wasn’t fun and it wasn’t easy, but we made it through together” – says Llewellyn
On days when work was slow, Llewellyn would dive into the Hennops river, even on cold winter mornings, in search of golf balls he could sell.
“Sometimes you were lucky, in the summer, when the floods would come, you would find hundreds of balls under the bridge. On days where I couldn’t find any balls, I would have nothing to eat.” – says Llewellyn
When the golf course underwent renovations and became a golf estate, Llewellyn had to leave. With nowhere to go at the age of 25, he was forced to live on the streets and face a world of uncertainty and danger. Despite his difficult circumstances, he found solace in playing golf whenever the opportunity arose.
On days when he found caddie jobs around Centurion, he would have some money to eat and a place to sleep for the night, other nights he would sleep in the bush or on the pavement.
“Life on the streets was tough but I had to manage. I had no one to look up to, no one to complain to. I had no family, no place to call home, I was alone. At night I would pray that the Tsotsies wouldn’t kill me. I slept with one eye open, waiting for morning” – says Llewellyn
An unlikely friendship
In January 2019, Llewellyn’s luck started to change. Upon hearing that he was homeless, the golf club where he was caddying offered him a storage container to stay in. Soon after Llewellyn made an unlikely friend by the name of Gareth Frost (45) who was running a ‘breakfast club’ on Saturday mornings for the homeless at Weirda bridge.
The pair connected through their mutual love of sport and in time formed a special and unbreakable bond. After breakfast one morning, Llewellyn took a leap of faith and told Gareth that he could play professional golf and all he needed was a sponsor.
Pictured above: Llewellyn Barnes and Gareth Frost
“I am used to requests from my homeless friends. They normally ask for a pair of shoes or shirts. When Llewellyn asked if I would like to sponsor him because he believed he could play professional golf, I didn’t think he was serious. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that there could be something special about this guy and I thought God was speaking to me.” – says Gareth.
For senior amateur golfers, the fastest way to get playing status in any major tournament is to make it through Qualifying School. Gareth followed the advice of the Senior Tour directors, learned the requirements and gathered the funds for Llewellyn to enter Q-School in January 2020. With second hand golf clubs and a prayer, they waited with anticipation for the first Q-school tournament.
Gareth’s advice to Llewellyn before the game has now become his motto “Every shot is an act of worship”. Showcasing his natural ability, Llewellyn silenced naysayers with a handicap of +2 despite not playing golf for over a year.
Struggling to hide his excitement, Llewellyn phoned Gareth to tell him the news that he had qualified as a professional golfer with provisional exception to participate in the Senior Tour, a major professional tournament part of the Sunshine Golf Tour.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
To participate in the Senior Tour, that began in March last year, Llewellyn needed to cover his travelling and lodging costs. He also needed a new attire and a new set of golf clubs, as his pair of donated clubs will not be accepted for the professional tournament.
To ensure that Llewellyn looked his best among the other professional players and has everything he needed to make the most of this opportunity, Gareth and non-profit organisation, Fearless Love, created a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public to support this rising star.
The crowdfunding campaign was launched on 8 February 2020 and managed raised a total of R 137 452.00 towards the fundraising target of R 45 000.00 with contributions from 233 donors.
Pictured above: Llewellyn Barnes and Ilonka Esterhuyse, founder of Fearless Love.
View Llewellyn’s campaign on BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/streets-to-sunshine
View Llewellyn’s video appeal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbFF_r6KIrY
Create a crowdfunding campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition, and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R270 Million.
- Raise funds for an individual or cause.
- Register your non-profit organisation.
- Create a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for a non-profit organisation.
Over R1.24 Million crowdfunded for Aaron (3), the boy who can’t eat.
Aaron Lipschitz (3) from Cape Town, is the first South African to be diagnosed with Interleukin-12 Receptor Defect, a rare incurable disease that affects his immune system,. Of the few known cases worldwide, Aaron is the only child who is unable to consume food.
Play therapist and mum Taryn, describes an easy pregnancy and an uncomplicated birth of her son Aaron, but at only two weeks old, Taryn and husband Steven noticed that Aaron was responding negatively to his feeds and he was rushed to the hospital.
It took a number of hospital visits and countless tests to determine that Aaron was not only among the 0.1% of babies who born are allergic to breast milk protein, but that any food item, formula or liquid, excluding water caused severe pain and discomfort for Aaron.
“It’s still so difficult to process. We are an average couple without any significant medical history so to have such a unique child as been really surprising to us” – says Aaron’s parents.
For the first two years of his life, Aaron had to take a pancreatic enzyme pill called Creon in order to digest an expensive formula called Neocate, which he had to take every 2 to 3 hours. His body couldn’t tolerate anything else.
By October 2017, doctors could see that the formula was no longer providing Aaron with enough nutrition to accommodate his growth and he was fitted with central lines and catheters to begin Total Parenteral Nutrition which commonly used for coma patients.
“A port runs through Aaron’s heart and every evening he is fed intravenously, avoiding his digestive system.” – says Taryn.
At 3 years old, Aaron is no stranger to the hospital. He’s been exposed to blood tests, drips, ultrasounds, hundreds of hospital visits, MRIs, consultations with immunologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, paediatricians, allergists, haematologists, oncologists, dieticians and occupational therapists to name a few.
He spends many afternoons at Cape Town Mediclinic under the management of Paediatrician Dr Deon Smith and can recite all his medications without fail.
To allow his immune system to work more effectively, needles are inserted into legs to administer immunoglobulin. Without this treatment, Aaron is vulnerable to infections. At the age of one, Aaron almost died from septicemia for this reason. He has just survived another episode of Septacaemia this month.
“He knows the names of all his medications and although he hates the treatments, he accepts the pain and discomfort like a soldier going into battle.” – says Taryn.
Besides being in and out of hospital, Aaron sill attends school, birthday parties and goes grocery shopping with his mom. At this stage, he seems undeterred by food as it’s something he is unfamiliar with.
“Aaron understands that he can’t eat because food makes him sick. He doesn’t show much interest in food because he hasn’t experienced eating so doesn’t really know what he is missing out on. We don’t feel comfortable eating in front of him because we can’t share our food with him. We think he might be starting to notice that there might be something different about him, but thankfully he is still young enough that he is not self-conscious about his feeding port or NG tube. “ – says Taryn
The only hope of Aaron leading a healthy life will require multiple chemotherapy sessions and eventually a bone marrow transplant when a donor match is found. Specialists would essentially need to build Aaron a new immune system.
Aaron’s parents set up a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public to support their little boy while he fights his condition.
The campaign went live on the 31 of January 2018 and has so far secured R1 245 350.57 towards his fundraising target of R1 500 000, with the contributions from over 675 donors. Single donations have ranged from R100, to R300 000 from national and international donors.
“We have been completely blown away by our BackaBuddy experience. For the first 3 years of Aaron’s life we tried to manage without community support, both emotional and financially. It was a big step for us to share Aaron’s story and ask for the help we need. Our BackaBuddy campaign has completely exceeded our expectations.” – says Taryn
It’s not difficult to see why the public has fallen in love with Aaron. He’s a charismatic boy who has a zest for life an adventure, but Aaron’s road to recovery will be a long one. Aaron’s condition has taken a turn for the worst as he is battling Septacaemia for the second time in his short life.
“Aaron developed extremely high temperatures on Monday, 12 March and was readmitted to hospital.Tests show a bacterial infection in his blood stream. The setbacks keep coming but Aaron keeps fighting!” – says Tarryn.
The public can support Aaron in two ways, by donating to his BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign or registering as a bone marrow/stem cell donor.
“We are urging people to go onto the Sunflower Website to register as a bone marrow/stem cell donor. The process is as simple as making a phone call, filling out a form and having 2 vials of blood taken.You could save Aaron or another person waiting for their miracle.” – says Taryn
You can register as a bone marrow/stem cell donor here:
Donate to Aaron’s BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign here:
SA Medical Doctor crowdfunds over R1 Million for new Chemo Drug.
Paediatrician Registrar and mother of 2, Kerryn Neilson (32), from Midrand, Johannesburg has crowdfunded over 1 million rand towards a new chemotheraphy drug to save her life.
Kerryn & Sheldon with son, Ashton (4) and daughter Isabella (9)
Above: Kerryn (32), Sheldon (32) with children, Ashton (4) and Isabella (9)
Whilst in Germany visiting her sister in law, Kerryn discovered large, painless lymph nodes in the cervical, supraclavicular and infraclavicular areas (down the side of the neck and above and below her collarbone). As a medical practioner herself, Kerryn immedinately suspected she might have Cancer.
A lymph node biopsy on the 2 May 2017 on her return to South Africa, confirmed Kerryn’s suspusions and she was diagnosed with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL.) T-ALL is a fast-growing blood cancer which creates abnormal lymphocytes (white blood cells formed in the bone marrow)
“Abnormal lymphocytes don’t fight infections very well, and as a result your body keeps on producing more and more of them as its need for them is never satisfied. This results in these abnormal cells crowding the bone marrow, preventing it from making the normal cells that your body needs and making one susceptible to infections The bone marrow is also responsible for creating your red blood cells and platelets, and as a result of this over-crowding those are also not formed. This leads to anaemia and random bleeding” – Says Kerryn
Crying in her physician’s office, Kerryn descibes feeling utter disbelief.
“I was sobbing the whole way through and strangers kept coming up to me to give me hugs and tell me that everything was going to be OK but I couldn’t speak to them because I was still so shocked with the news. I felt fear, like my whole life was being cut short and that I was too young to have this diagnosis; fear that my kids would grow up without me and eventually forget me and how much I loved them. This still terrifies me the most” – says Kerryn
At the age of 5, Kerryn dreamed about being a doctor and has dedicated her life to her profession. She admits to often missing the morning school run or that quality bedtime-story time with her two children Isabella (9) and Ashton (4) as a result of a demanding doctors schedule. Having been diagnosed with cancer, Kerryn has had time to reflect on the unpredictable nature of life.
“I was suddenly faced with the reality that I do not have unlimited time to spend with my family and this has made me reassess my priorities. I’ve had to adjust long term life goals to short term life goals and I had to accept that all the good things that I’d been putting off doing may never happen if I don’t do them now. It has forced me to consider everything about my life and to confront just how much I have to lose.” – says Kerryn.
Husband, Sheldon Neilson (32), has been Kerryn’s pillar of strength through her ordeal. The Childhood sweethearts recently celebrated their 5 wedding annivarsity after being together for nearly 12 years.
Kerryn with husband Sheldon Neilson.
“I have known Kerryn since I was 12 years old. We grew up in the same street. She has always been beautiful. Wide-eyed, confident, smart, bubbly, adventurous… she’s been my best friend for as long as I can remember.”- says Sheldon.
With Kerryn, fighting cancer, Sheldon has taken on even more responsibility in the household to ensure Kerryn has the strength to beat her condition.
“My singular focus has been on doing everything possible to support Kerryn through this, whatever that may mean. From admin, bills, medical aid queries, to doing the cooking and cleaning up. In the most part just being available for her and whatever her needs may be in the moment. It makes me feel powerless knowing that however hard I try there is ultimately only so much that I can control but there is no length that I wouldn’t go to to beat this.” – says Sheldon.
Kerryn has spent the greater part of the last few months in hospital, often in isolation, unable to see her children Isabella and Ashton. When she’s home, Kerryn often has no immunity and is very prone to infections. Her children have had to learn to always wear face masks around her and wash their hands before touching her so that she doesn’t get sick.
“Ashton doesn’t really understand what is happening except that I am sick. He misses me a lot when I am away and sometimes I can see that he is anxious as he often asks when I am going back. Isabella has much better understanding of what is wrong with me. She is scared but is coping well despite the circumstances.” – says Kerryn.
To treat her agressive form of cancer, Kerryn’s haematologist suggested that a chemotherapy drug, Nelarabine, was the best option moving forward. Nelarabine is specific for refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and while it has been approved in America and Europe is not readily availible in South Africa.
“There is no guarantee that this drug will get me into remission, but my doctors feel like it is worth a shot and complete responses have been achieved with this medication in other patients around the world. Right now, there is nothing else that can be offered to me in order to achieve remission and it really is my last hope. If it works, I will be able to have a bone marrow transplant from a donor in the United States who has already been matched for me and this is the only thing that is potentially curative. “ – says Kerryn
Unable to afford the treatment , estimated to cost around R2.5 million rand, Sheldon set up a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public to help save his wife.
Kerryn’s campaign went live on 16 January 2018, local and international donors responded generously, rasing over R1 million rand in a few short weeks, enough to order Kerryn’s first round of treatment. One donor, who would like to remain anonomous, contribited a single donation of R200 000 towards the BackaBuddy campaign.
“Initially it felt impossible. It is just such a massive amount. While crowdfunding on BackaBuddy we were also scrambling to come up with contingency plans, to take money out of the bond and our savings and retirement funds etc. Even while the donations were coming in, it just felt like such a big number, yet slowly but surely the fund has continued to creep towards the target.” – says Kerryn
We are reminded of both the resilence and genorosity of the South African people in the face of fear and adversity. The manner in which the crowd responded in Kerryn’s time of need is truely inspiring.Kerryn’s campaign is BackaBuddy’s first medical campaign to raise over one million rand for one individual.
A message from Kerryn to her donors:
“We would like to extend them our deepest thanks to everyone who supported our BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign! So many have given so much.. We have been humbled by the amount of support that we have received in such a short time. The response has been incredible and everyone’s generosity has been quite overwhelming.”
Donate to Kerryn’s Leukemia Fund here
Over R480 000+ crowdfunded for Mhlengi Gwala after handsaw ordeal in less than 24 hrs.
Mhlengi Gwala (26), a star triathlete from Chesterville in KZN, was attacked by three men who attempted to cut one of his legs off using a handsaw in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Gwala, was cycling near the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College Campus) around 3.30am when he was stopped by three men and dragged into the bushes.
Mhlengi told his attackers to take his valuables, including his iPhone, Garmin and his bicycle, but the men were not interested in his personal items and proceeded to cut into his legs. Luckily, security guards came to Gwala’s rescue and he was taken to a private hospital.
Mhlengi’s story sparked outrage and the senseless act made local and international headlines. Hoping to raise funds for Mhleng’s medical treatment, JP Valverde from My Project Generator set up a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign.
In a few short hours, the crowdfunding campaign, surpassed the R150 000 mark as South Africans opened their hearts and sent messages of support to the athlete who was then undergoing surgery. Donations ranging from R10 to R10 000 with the support of over 898 donors local and abroad contributed to an overwhelming total of R480 000.
The funds, managed by BackaBuddy, will go towards covering Mhlengi’s medical fees, transportation‚ bike replacement and rehabilitation costs, says JP.
“Through their generosity, South Africans have once again proven, that as a society we will stand up for those affected by senseless acts of violence. One anonymous donation on BackaBuddy said it best, ‘May the love you feel from strangers help you overcome the fear and fuel your recovery.’ ” – says BackaBuddy, CEO, Patrick Schofield.
Mhlengi’s friend and training partner, Sandile Shange said the operation had been a success after speaking to him last night.
“He is able to talk and is in a lot of pain understandably. He is a strong-minded person and he has been blown away by the support shown by fellow South Africans,” he said.
Inspiring messages are coming in strong in support of the star athlete.
“Let the tar burn with fury when you return!” – Anonymous
“I’m sorry that you went through this. Remember, there are more good South Africans out there than bad ones. Get well soon.” – A concerned South African Citzen
“I cheered you in on Sunday at the Durban Ultra Tri and now I cheer you on to a speedy recovery!” – Melanie Perfect
“What a horrendous crime. Keep strong champ and hope you get back on the bike soon.” – Colin Richardson.
“I am deeply saddened by what happened but I know that it is all in the plan for you to continue on your journey! Don’t let this stop you! Get back and show them that you will not be kept down!” – Katya De Magalhaes
“You never know how strong you are until you have no choice! You are a fighter and a survivor. Looking forward to seeing you back on your bike!!” – Rob and Lori Wesselo
“May the love you feel from strangers help you overcome the fear and fuel your recovery.” – Anonymous
Support Mhlengi’s campaign here
BackaBuddy has raised over R58.18 Million for various charities, individuals and causes across South Africa.
Create your own campaign:
• Set up an individual campaign for someone in need.
• Register a charity on BackaBuddy.
• Set up a champion page to raise funds for a charity.
For more information contact:
Zane Groenewald – BackaBuddy Marketing & Public Relations Officer
[email protected] / 082 602 0735