Tommy Dell has spent his whole life giving to others through music, laughter and kindness. Now, as he lies in intensive care, it is our turn to stand beside him. His Bok Radio family and the broader South African community are asking everyone who has been touched by Tommy’s music, positivity and generosity to help carry him through this extraordinary moment.
On Saturday 5 September, at approximately 22:00, Tommy was involved in a collision on the R40 near Mbombela (Nelspruit). He survived with multiple fractures and remains in ICU at Mediclinic Nelspruit. Two women travelling with him – country music promoter Mara van der Bergh and her assistant Samantha Fuller – lost their lives. The trio had been returning from Solidariteit Helpende Hand’s Country Evening fundraiser at Bosjol in Mbombela, where Tommy had just performed.
Tommy is stable and able to speak. From his hospital bed, he has thanked South Africans for their prayers, messages of support and condolences. But his medical aid hospital plan funds have been completely depleted and he is not strong enough to be moved to another hospital. He needs our help now.
Who Tommy Dell is to South Africa
Born Thomas Albert Berry in East London on 27 July 1942, Tommy Dell is a South African country singer, cabaret artist, musician and comedian who has been on stage since the age of five. Generations know him through his hit songs “Teddy Bear” and “Little Rosa”, as well as the 11 golden albums he has released.
He won the national Battle of the Bands competition with Tommy Dell and the Boys. He trained in classical music and opera at the Cape Town School of Music under the famous Italian baritone Professor Gregorio Fiasconaro, then worked with Mimi Coertse, Gé Korsten, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride and Elvis Presley’s backing band, the Jordanaires. He represented South Africa in the International Fanfare Show in Nashville, Tennessee and toured with Foster & Allen and Bad Boys Blue.
Known as “The Killer”, Tommy has produced and performed a dozen sold-out shows at the Playhouse in Somerset West. His performances have brought together music, political satire and comedy. Today, he continues to share that warmth as the host of COUNTRY met Tommy Dell, every Sunday from 17:00 to 20:00 on Bok Radio 98.9 FM.
Those who know Tommy describe him as a positive, loving human being who will do anything for anybody. His decades of music and his positive attitude have touched countless hearts. This is the man we are being called on to support.
An urgent medical crisis
The cost of Tommy’s care is estimated at between R80 000 and R100 000 per day. Bok Radio is working with Tommy’s family and the hospital to keep him at Mediclinic Nelspruit for at least 10 days. The total estimated need is R800 000 to R1 000 000.
Bok Radio says this is the first time in more than 15 years that the station has asked for this kind of assistance – an “extraordinary situation”. Radio Laeveld, Pretoria FM, Smile FM and Lekker FM have joined Bok Radio in supporting and promoting the campaign, with more stations potentially coming on board.
Please help Tommy
Donate to Tommy Dell’s BackaBuddy campaign: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/tommy-dell
If you are able, please donate. If you cannot donate, please share this appeal, send the link to your family and friends, and spread the word through your community. Businesses and individuals can make a difference through donations or by helping Tommy’s story reach more people.
ALSO READ: Countrysanger Tommy Dell kritiek na ernstige motorongeluk
https://novanews.co.za/districtmailhelderberg/countrysanger-tommy-dell-kritiek-na-ernstige-motorongeluk/
