Cape Town - Sports minister Fikile Mbalula on Thursday donated R100 000 to former Springbok centre Tinus Linee, who suffers from motor neuron disease (MND).
The 44-year-old Linee's medical expenses are high as he needs 24-hour care.
Sport24 earlier this week reported that Linee's condition has stabilised thanks to his recent use of a ventilator.
His five, Diana, said his mind was "still positive" about the illness. But for the use of his hands, however, Linee, remained completely paralysed.
"He can only scratch his cheek,” she told SAPA.
"Tapping his knee means we need to straighten his legs. He uses signs for us to turn his pillow; he’s got a signal for changing the station on the television. When he shows us his stomach we know he’s getting cramps."
The introduction of a ventilator about two months ago meant Linee’s condition has not worsened, but with 24-hour care, his medical expenses remained high.
As such Mbalula organised for the sports ministry to donate R100 000 to help cover Linee's medical costs.
He visited Linee at his home in Paarl on Thursday.
Sports minister Fikile Mbalula visits Tinus Linee - Samantha van den Berg (Die Burger)
The 44-year-old Linee's medical expenses are high as he needs 24-hour care.
Sport24 earlier this week reported that Linee's condition has stabilised thanks to his recent use of a ventilator.
His five, Diana, said his mind was "still positive" about the illness. But for the use of his hands, however, Linee, remained completely paralysed.
"He can only scratch his cheek,” she told SAPA.
"Tapping his knee means we need to straighten his legs. He uses signs for us to turn his pillow; he’s got a signal for changing the station on the television. When he shows us his stomach we know he’s getting cramps."
The introduction of a ventilator about two months ago meant Linee’s condition has not worsened, but with 24-hour care, his medical expenses remained high.
As such Mbalula organised for the sports ministry to donate R100 000 to help cover Linee's medical costs.
He visited Linee at his home in Paarl on Thursday.
Sports minister Fikile Mbalula visits Tinus Linee - Samantha van den Berg (Die Burger)