A Limpopo pupil was dealt a heavy blow,  when scans revealed that he has brain tumour and that a large amount of money is needed to pay for the delicate operation.

Vutomi Honours Chauke (22), a Grade 12 pupil at Shirilele High at Mavambe in Malamulele, was taken to Polokwane MediClinic by concerned teachers after one of his eyes started protruding and he complained of pains in the forehead.

A representative of the school, Mr Sathiel Madingane, said teachers at the school collected R1 600 after observing the pupil’s deteriorating condition. “We went to a specialist in Makhado (Louis Trichardt), who referred us to Polokwane MediClinic. We went there for a scan, and it revealed that he had brain tumour. The estimated cost for the operation is about R100 000,” said Madingane.

Madingane added that no funds were available to assist the young man and he appealed to members of the community to assist him. “He is about to his write trial examinations and he is in pain. His condition is a concern to the entire staff,” said Madingane.

Vutomi’s mother is a pensioner, and his father died in 1993. He said his problem started last May, when his face started itching. “When I scratched it, my eye protruded,” he said. He then experienced excruciating pain in the face “as if I had been smashed by a hammer.”

Vutomi aspires to be a lawyer and he is worried that his hopes may be dashed if he does not get assistance.

Before the teachers had sent him for a scan, Vutomi went to Malamulele Hospital, where they merely looked at him and refered him to Mankweng Hospital. “At Mankweng, they took blood samples and said they saw nothing. They later said I should go for an x-ray, but I went for a scan instead,” he said.

People interested in helping him can phone the school’s principal, Mr SP Baloyi, on 078 630 0028.