Loftus memorial for Joost
Another try for Bulls hero Joost van der Westhuizen in his heyday. Picture: Tracey Adams Another try for Bulls hero Joost van der Westhuizen in his heyday. Picture: Tracey Adams
Flags flew at half-mast at Loftus Versfeld yesterday – home of the Blue Bulls, and where Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen’s Pretoria public memorial service will be held on Friday.
Van der Westhuizen, 45, died of motor neurone disease on Monday. He had been diagnosed in 2011.
On Saturday, the former Bok captain was rushed to hospital as a result of his respiratory muscles weakening due to his illness.
His ex-wife Amor Vittone, with whom he had two children, Jordan and Kylie, took to Facebook to relay how they were coping.
“The children and I are in a complete state of shock. We know that for Joost’s sake, you will give them the space that they need – and we thank you for that!” Vittone wrote.
“Personally – Joost gave me the greatest gift of my life – because he was the father of my children.
“Even though we were separated, he was in our life on a daily basis right to the end and we shared extraordinary memories.”
Vittone said the public and the media support meant a great deal to her and thanked them for their messages of condolences.