Derick Hougaard’s Incredible Journey to Recovery

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South African rugby legend Derick Hougaard has recently been through an ordeal that many might find challenging to bounce back from. At 40, he encountered a severe bout with respiratory pneumonia and was admitted to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria. To add to the gravity of his situation, he found himself in a coma for 13 days following a distressing incident where he was discovered unconscious at his residence.

Fast-forwarding a bit, and while still on his path to recuperation, Hougaard recently gave his first radio interview post this harrowing experience. This interview was broadcast on Jacaranda FM’s acclaimed radio segment, ‘The Drive with Rob and Roz’, led by Rozanne McKenzie and Rob Forbes. What made the interview even more engaging was the presence of Rian Van Heerden, the station’s former drive presenter. Their combined perspectives illuminated Hougaard’s journey in more ways than one.

It’s crucial to remember that recovery is a process, one that often doesn’t follow a linear trajectory. Despite nearly two months since Hougaard woke up from his coma, he confesses that looks can sometimes mislead. “I seem much healthier than I genuinely feel,” he openly states. While on the outside he may appear on the mend, internally, he battles with lingering weaknesses. For instance, he frequently finds himself breathless. This is, in part, due to some residual damage caused by the ventilator tube. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic, stating, “All things considered, I am feeling alright.”

Though many days of his coma are shrouded in uncertainty, the underlying reality is daunting. Medical professionals pegged his chances of survival at a mere 50%. He reflects, “It’s only in the recent weeks that I’ve come to grips with the fact that I was close to death.” The emotional ramifications of this incident not just on him, but on his family, especially his parents, children, and his partner Nádine, are immense.

However, amidst these health challenges, the former Bulls star has exciting news. He has teamed up with producer Rian Van Heerden to produce a documentary series. This comprehensive project, filmed over half a year before the coma incident, is an introspection into Hougaard’s life. Set for release on KykNet in the forthcoming month of October, Hougaard is filled with anticipation. “This documentary is a significant milestone for me – both in terms of its scope and the investment involved,” he mentions. For him, it was essential that the narrative remains genuine and exposed. There were numerous facets he contemplated excluding, but in the end, he chose raw truthfulness.

Van Heerden, sharing his two pennies’ worth, amusingly recounts the two-month-long persuasion it took to get Hougaard on board for the documentary. Despite the unexpected twist of the coma, Van Heerden’s faith in Hougaard’s determination never wavered. Drawing upon Hougaard’s victories in 2007 with the Currie Cup and the Blue Bulls’ first Super Rugby triumph, Van Heerden emphasised, “He’s the embodiment of resilience. I had this underlying sense of peace because I knew he’d prevail.”

On his recovery journey, Hougaard, lovingly referred to as the ‘Liefling of Loftus’, has been touched by the overwhelming love and support he has received. “Witnessing such profound concern makes one realise how much you mean to people,” he reflects. As he extends his heartfelt thanks to his ardent fans, Hougaard attributes his miraculous recovery to the power of their prayers.

For those eager to hear the entire conversation, it’s available on JacPod. Furthermore, ‘The Drive with Rob and Roz’ airs every weekday from 16h00 to 19h00 on Jacaranda FM.