Expired of a gift voucher

I was in and out of hospital since birth of my daughter, so a friend bought me voucher of R1000 @home stores, so since I was frustrated I forgot about this voucher, now I found it in one of my Jackets then I noticed it has expired. I called the TFG contact center to explain my situation, the gentleman told me there is nothing he can do, it means I forfeit the R1000. Please assist me. The card was never used.