Plucky teenager hopes to bring Kings good luck
[caption id="attachment_222435" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Jade Karelse, 14, will be the Kings’ mascot at the game against Leinster today. Pictured with her
are Justin Forwood, left, and Alshaun Bock.
Picture: Werner Hills[/caption]
While the Southern Kings hope to take a win at the first-ever Guinness Pro14 match to be held at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, a teenaged leukaemia patient will realise her dream of stepping out onto the pitch as part of the festivities.
Yesterday, Jade Carelse, 14, beamed with excitement during the Southern Kings practice session. This morning, Jade will act as the Kings’ mascot while also placing the ball on the centre line ahead of kick-off.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and, in line with that, staff at the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) have been advertising their services widely. Through their work they came to the attention of the Southern Kings.
CHOC Foundation Eastern Cape fundraising manager Anna- Marie Stephenson said: “Jade is one of the children the foundation supports. She is being treated for cancer at the pediatric oncology unit at Provincial Hospital [in Port Elizabeth]. “Doctors and nurses at the hospital are the ones always doing the work. We come in with support for the family with any needs they might have.
“We provide transport funds, counselling and other additional services that make things a little easier for the families. “This opportunity happened by chance actually. Through the awareness created by our September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month we came to the attention of the Southern Kings.
“They needed a mascot and so Jade ended up being just that for the day.”
Jade, a big rugby fan, said: “I feel very happy. I hope I have fun and that the Southern Kings win.
“I like rugby and the action that happens on the field. I’d like to say thank you to the people who helped me come here today.”
Jade says when she grows up she hopes to one day help children who are also facing difficulties.
Southern Kings chief executive Charl Crous said: “September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and through Southern Kings Care we are throwing our support behind this worthy cause. “We invited Jade Carelse to be our mascot at the first-ever Guinness Pro14 match to be held at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium today.
“We urge the public to come out and support our team and in so doing witness this historical event and cheer Jade on as she places the ball on the centre line before kick-off”.
