Cape Town - Former Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen, 40, says he won’t sit in a corner and feel sorry for himself after it was confirmed last week that he does indeed suffer from a deadly motor neuron disease.
Dr Erik Pioro - a leading expert on motor neuron disease from the Cleveland hospital in the US - diagnosed Van der Westhuizen with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and gave him a 80% chance to live between two and five years, and a 20% chance to live for a longer period.
But, despite the setback, the former Bok says he will remain positive and try to live life to the full.
According to a local newspaper report, Van der Westhuizen played golf twice last week and also went out with friends one evening.
He was also a guest at the launch of the Elle Macpherson-clothing range in Johannesburg on Thursday night.
The former scrumhalf - known as a fighter on the rugby field during his playing days - has made it his goal to be part of the 20% that live for longer than five years.
Dr Erik Pioro - a leading expert on motor neuron disease from the Cleveland hospital in the US - diagnosed Van der Westhuizen with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and gave him a 80% chance to live between two and five years, and a 20% chance to live for a longer period.
But, despite the setback, the former Bok says he will remain positive and try to live life to the full.
According to a local newspaper report, Van der Westhuizen played golf twice last week and also went out with friends one evening.
He was also a guest at the launch of the Elle Macpherson-clothing range in Johannesburg on Thursday night.
The former scrumhalf - known as a fighter on the rugby field during his playing days - has made it his goal to be part of the 20% that live for longer than five years.