Derick Hougaard says he is grateful for the outpouring of support from fans a couple of months after his life-threatening illness.
Hougaard was rushed to Steve Biko Hospital in Pretoria in June after being found unconscious by girlfriend, South African singer Nadine.
The former Bulls flyhalf spent three weeks in intensive care battling respiratory pneumonia, and had to be placed in a coma for 13 days.
Two months after awaking, Hougaard spoke about his ordeal for the first time in a radio interview with Jacaranda FM, during which he admitted he is still on the long road to recovery.
“I look a lot better than I feel,” he said. “I still feel a little weak and I am always out of breath. The tube from the ventilator left a bit of damage, but all in all, I am feeling good.
“Over the past two weeks it has really hit me that I could have died, so I am processing that. I think it was definitely a lot worse for other people than what it was for me. It’s terrifying thinking how this affected my family, my parents, my kids and (girlfriend) Nádine.”
Big Bok win loading?⌛️@mark_keohane and Zels predict a massacre at the Millennium Stadium when the Boks battle Wales on Saturday 🇿🇦🏴 pic.twitter.com/XqGFcX0mz9
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) August 17, 2023
Now back home, Hougaard said he was moved by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends and fans.
“Friends flew in from overseas and Cape Town to pray outside the hospital. Witnessing this level of care makes you feel cherished and reminds you that people still want you in their lives.
“To everyone, wherever you are, thank you for your prayers. The doctors call my recovery a miracle, but I believe it’s the power of those prayers,” he added.
“Thank you for standing by me from my first day at Loftus to now. Thank you for showing your care and support. I truly appreciate it.”
Photo: Gallo Images / Foto24 / Liza van Deventer