UPDATE: 27-10-09:
Fundraising efforts for World Champion Surfer Heather Clark
Fundraising efforts are gaining momentum for the ISA World Masters Surfing Champion Heather “Fergie” Clark (Port Shepstone). Clark has been moved from ICU (on Saturday) to a general ward following a serious car accident on Thursday night (22 October) around 10.00pm. Clark was driving home from her friend Shebjorn Axelson’s house when a 20 year old male driver collided with her vehicle. She was hit so hard that her car is in two pieces.
In a media report from www.iol.co.za Police spokeswoman Superintendent Zandra Wiid confirmed that the accident occurred on Main South Coast Road. "When both cars collided, the man who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol tried to run away. He was then arrested and it was found that he sustained minor head injuries which he was treated for. The man was then charged with drunk driving."
“Heather is still in a lot of pain but is doing ok and is hoping to be home soon. She won't be allowed to surf until January next year and has to have 4 to 6 weeks complete bed rest to recover,” commented Heather’s sister, Brenda Human.
A massive national fundraising initiative has been started by Surfing South Africa www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za to assist the Clark family with medical bills and Heather’s loss of income over the next few months.
“Surfers are a special bunch of people and the saying – once a surfer, always a surfer – rings true. When something like this happens it is an opportunity for us to show that we are a tribe; when one of our own faces adversity we naturally band together to help,” commented Robin de Kock, General Manager of Surfing South Africa who has been instrumental in generating national and international awareness of the fundraising efforts.
ASP World Championship Tour surfer Mick Fanning (Australia) is auctioning one of his boards on ebay to raise funds for Heather.
The Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) has pledged a R1000 donation and has encouraged other members of the surf industry to match or better their contribution.
“From ASP’s side we are shocked to hear about Heather’s accident; she has been a great ambassador for ASP in the African region as well as a surfing icon to many younger girl surfers. Well wishes have been received from top ASP International Management including the likes of Brodie Carr, Renato Hickel, Matt Wilson, Al Hunt and Brooke Farris,” commented Colin Fitch the Operations Manager for ASP Africa.
The Warner Boyz Fundraiser for Heather Clark is being run by Wade Botha on Saturday the 14th of November at Warner Beach. Divisions for the final event of the year include u14 boys and girls, u20 boys, average Joe’s (novice) as well as open men and women. Surfers can enter by smsing before the Thursday prior to the contest on 083 647 6066.
Other fundraising events are in the process of being organized and details will follow in the weeks to come.
Clark has been surfing for 22 years, has surfed professionally for 12 years and is widely known as one of South Africa’s most successful and well-loved surfers – she is still the only South African surfer to have won the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii. Fergie, as she is known by her friends and family, earns a living as a swimming and surfing coach on the south coast of KZN.
Finances are going to be a problem with the exorbitant medical bills, the loss of the family car and Heather being unable to work for a while. Appeals have gone out for anyone in a position to contribute to please assist. Banking details are available on www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za
“We are so grateful for everyone’s well wishes and support over this time. Heather has been deeply touched by all of the assistance that has been given to us – words cannot express how much it means to us,” commented Heather’s mother Dawn Clark.
The bank account set up for donations towards Heather Clark’s medical costs is:
Surfing South Africa, FNB Rondebosch
(branch code 201509),
Savings Account number 61017128590
with the swift code FIRNZAJJ.
Please use Heather’s name and the contributor’s name and email address as a reference.
UPDATE:26-10-09:
Mick Fanning donates a board for auction to help cover Heather's medical expenses.
On Friday Zigzag broke with the shocking report about SA Surfing Legend, Heather Clark, being the victim in a severe car accident involving an alleged drunk driver, on Thursday evening in Port Shepstone, on the KZN South Coast. Although Heather is recovering well from the sever injuries, there are mounting costs that come with the timely needed medical treatment that saved her life.
Former World Tour Champion, Mick Fanning has come on board to assist Fergi’s mounting medical costs and will be auctioning off one of his surfboards for the aid
From @Mick_Fanning / twitter.com/Mick_Fanning
'Hey all when I get home will be putting a board on ebay for heather so stay in touch and help if you can.'
Also See post update below from Mick's website: www.mickfanning.com.au
Hey crew. Heather Clark, a former World Tour surfer, was in a really heavy car accident and needs our help. She’s a really cool girl and it would be awesome if you could dig deep and offer her a little financial support. If you’d like to make a donation all the details you need are at the bottom of this post. Thanks and all my best wishes to Heather for a speedy recovery.
Mick...
Surfing South Africa have set up a fund in aid of Fergi's mounting medical expenses. Please be generous enough to help out one of SA's surfing legends by contributing financially.
Account details set up for Heather Clark's medical costs:
SURFING SOUTH AFRICA
FIRST NATIONAL BANK RONDEBOSCH (branch code 201509)
SAVINGS ACCOUNT : 61017128590
SWIFT NUMBER ( for International deposits) : FIRNZAJJ
Ref: Heather plus Contributors name & email address
For more information please contact:
Surfing South Africa
Zigzag News Story: 23-10-09
A gut-wrenching report came in to Zigzag this morning that South African Surfing legend, Heather Clark, had been the victim of a grim car accident and had sustained life-threatening injuries last night. The incident occurred in Port Shepstone, at around 10pm when the former World Tour surfer was struck by a drunk driver at the P3 and P395 intersection in Port Shepstone, tearing Heather's car in two, and injuring her severely. Emergency services rushed to the scene and frantically tried to stabilize Heather who was unconscious and bleeding with massive head injuries.
After being stabilized she was rushed to hospital in critical condition for immediate treatment in ICU. Although at this time the overall extent of Heather's injuries are still not fully diagnosed, surgeons worked tirelessly to save Heather's life and bring her to a recuperating state.
"Heather needed 22 stitches from ear to ear to sew her scalp back on," said Olivia Symcox, close friend and well-known surfing personality. "She is extremely fortunate to still be alive - her car was in two pieces. She has friends and family with her now, she is conscious and although she does not remember anything from the incident she is surprisingly upbeat".
The driver who crashed into Heather was being held in jail at the time of writing, and may face criminal charges of attempted manslaughter.
The South African Surfing community and Zigzag send their hearts and prayers out to Heather.
Release of the incident below:
World Champion Surfer Clark in Serious Car Accident
Reigning ISA World Masters Surfing Champion Heather “Fergie” Clark (Port Shepstone) was involved in a serious car accident last night (22 October) around 10.00pm. Clark was driving home from a friend’s house when an alleged 20 year old male drunken driver collided with her vehicle. The suspect has been charged with driving under the influence as well as reckless and negligent driving; he appeared in court this morning and was released on bail whilst investigations continue.
“We are so relieved that Heather survived this – she was hit so hard her car is in two pieces! At this stage we are not sure the full extent of her injuries or how it will impact on her surfing career in the long term. She has already had 22 stitches to her head. She is conscious, in a lot of pain but is trying to stay upbeat,” commented Heather’s mother Dawn Clark.
Clark is currently undergoing numerous scans and x-rays to determine the degree of injuries. She is in the Hibiscus Private Hospital in Port Shepstone.
“The Department of Transport and Arrive Alive spend millions of Rands on awareness campaigns; drunk driving is unacceptable and we need to spread this message to as many people as possible. The fact that there is such a huge focus placed on educating people not to drink and drive means that this is a high priority crime and should be dealt with accordingly,” commented Brendan Callaghan, Heather’s friend and team surfing manager in 2007 and 2008 at the ISA World Masters Surfing Championships.
Clark has been surfing for 22 years, has surfed professionally for 12 years and is widely known as one of South Africa’s most successful surfers – she is still the only South African surfer to have won the prestigious Triple Crown of Surfing in Hawaii. Fergie, as she is known by her friends and family, earns a living as a swimming and surfing coach on the south coast of KZN.
