Tuesday 15 December 2015

Jonah Legacy Fund for Lomu Boys


A fund has been created to help the children of Jonah Lomu after it emerged he died with almost no savings.

The New Zealand Rugby Players' Association has established the Jonah Lomu Legacy Trust to provide for the legendary winger's two sons, Brayley and Dhyreille.

Association chief executive Rob Nichol said Lomu's finances had not yet been disentangled, but "there's not going to be any great windfall".

"There's certainly nothing that's going to sustain any ongoing financial benefit for the family," he added.

Lomu died last month after suffering from kidney issues for 20 years. Nephrotic syndrome forced his premature retirement from international rugby in 2002.

After having a kidney transplant in 2004 he tried unsuccessfully to resume his professional career in Wales and France.

While his health seemed to improve he could not regain his former dominance and eventually retired from all rugby in 2006.

Since Lomu's transplant failed in 2011, he became reliant on dialysis.

Mr Nichol added: "It appears that because of Jonah's well-known generosity, he had taken on obligations, financial and otherwise, to support others at the expense of himself, Nadene and the children.

"It is also apparent that his 20-year illness and long dialysis sessions, multiple times a week, affected him far more than people realised, including his ability to work and earn the type of money people probably assumed he was capable of earning. 

"He was a humble and private person who chose not to seek help or be a burden on others in sharing his immediate challenges.

"Despite his debilitating illness he was unwaveringly optimistic and clearly had faith he would be able to continue working to meet these obligations and to provide for his family.

"Due to his untimely death, we all know this is sadly not to be, and Jonah is now unable to provide for his boys - for their development, welfare and education."

The boys flanked Nadene as she addressed mourners at the funeral.

They wore black shirts bearing the winger's number 11, the position their father revolutionised as he became rugby's first global star.

The Trust is being created with the blessing of the family but will not be run by them.

Donations can be made at www.jonahlomulegacy.com 

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