Veteran South African radio and TV personality Darren Scott is returning home after a deeply emotional visit with his children in the United States. The beloved broadcaster, who has been courageously fighting cancer, shared heartfelt moments from the trip, reflecting on the love and support that continue to fuel his fight.
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A week of love, laughter, and difficult goodbyes
Scott, 61, took to Facebook to express his gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with his loved ones, describing the experience as exactly what he needed after a challenging year.
“What an incredible blessing to be able to spend a week in the USA with my family! After the year I’ve had so far, it’s exactly what I needed!” he wrote.
His post was filled with emotion as he recounted the joy of being with his boys and the heartache of having to say goodbye.
“There were lots of tears … of joy … and of sadness, at having to say goodbye. My heart is VERY heavy right now as I sit at Heathrow waiting for my final flight back home, because I never wanted to leave my people ever again.”
Despite the pain of parting, Scott said the visit had strengthened his resolve to keep fighting, with his family giving him “renewed faith, strength and spirit.”
Community rallies behind Scott with fundraiser event
As Scott continues his battle against melanoma, his former colleagues and close friends have organised a special fundraising event, The Just Plain Party, set to take place in Midrand on 5 April.
The event will see some of South Africa’s most iconic radio personalities—Barney Simon, Sasha Martinengo, Tony Blewitt, Kurt Darren, Alex Jay, DJ Fresh, and Gareth Cliff—reunite for an evening of music, nostalgia, and support for Scott.
Hosted at the Prison Break Market, the event promises “five hours of music, fun, laughter, and memories,” with all proceeds going towards Scott’s ongoing medical expenses. Tickets are available via Quicket for R500.
BackaBuddy campaign gains momentum
Scott’s former wife, Sarah-Kate Accetta, has also set up a BackaBuddy campaign to assist with the mounting costs of his cancer treatment. As of now, the fundraiser has raised nearly R350,000, with a goal of R960,000.
Scott’s employer, HOT 102.7FM, released a statement acknowledging the campaign and urging the public to support their beloved colleague.
Those wishing to contribute can do so through the BackaBuddy platform.
A battle that began decades ago
Scott’s fight with melanoma began nearly 40 years ago when he was first diagnosed with the aggressive skin cancer. Since then, his body has been through a relentless battle, including multiple surgeries, cancer recurrences, and severe reactions to treatment.
In a candid Facebook post, Scott shared his harrowing journey, describing how he lost nearly 15kg in just two weeks due to complications from treatment.
“This ‘attack’ on my system started in July of last year … and I only started to feel somewhat human again by November!”
His health took another hit recently, leading to an emergency gallbladder removal.
“I finally feel human again after more than a year … albeit less one gallbladder, missing lymph glands, a part of my lung, a section of my chin … and a whole new diet!”
Despite everything, Scott remains optimistic, determined to keep fighting, and deeply grateful for the support he has received from family, friends, and fans.
As he makes his way back to South Africa, one thing is clear—his battle is far from over, but with the unwavering love of his family and the generosity of the community, he is not fighting alone.
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Featured Image: Facebook | Darren Scott
