David Rees, the South African actor known for his role as Chris Welman in the SABC 2 soap opera 7th Avenueunderwent a double heart bypass on Monday after suffering a heart attack on Sunday.
Corlia Strauss, Rees’ publicity manager, confirmed to RNews that the actor is currently being treated in the intensive care unit of Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.
According to Strauss, Rees (55) is in a critical condition. “He is not doing well at the moment, but we hope and trust that the heart bypass will help him to recover faster.”
Strauss says Rees’s sudden deterioration in health is a big shock to his family. The actor, who gained fame at the time as the naughty boy Nick Naudé in the soap opera Egoli – Place of golddoes not belong to a medical fund.
“The hospital met the family with a bill, but it is a massive amount that unfortunately is just not feasible without help,” says Strauss.
Rees’ sister, Monique Buttle, has meanwhile set up a Back a Buddy fund for the actor. A goal of R500 000 has been set on this page.
“The unexpected event has placed a physical, emotional and financial burden on David and his family,” reads Buttle’s entry on the fund’s page.
“Unfortunately, we cannot at the moment ignore the desperate situation that we as his family are now faced with.”
To contribute to the fund, follow the Back a Buddy link or send an email to (email protected).
