Family pledges to raise funds for life-saving trip

Austin Manning, 7, at his primary St Thomas More Catholic School, with his mum Helen Manning. Photo/Ruth Keber

Efforts to help raise money for Austin Manning to head overseas for life-altering surgery have attracted more than $7000 worth of donations so far.

His family have pledged not to give up until they have enough to afford the the trip to America.

The 7-year-old is one of 7000 in New Zealand with cerebral palsy. He suffers from periventricular leukomalacia (a brain injury), asymmetric spastic quadriplegia, developmental delay and has problems with his vision.

There are no operations available in New Zealand to relieve the spasticity of his limbs caused by the cerebral palsy - yet there is one in the US. The surgery, which reduces muscle stiffness, is offered by Dr Park at St Louis Children's Hospital.

Helen Manning, Austin's mother, said she had been overwhelmed by the support in Tauranga with Austin's Givealittle page reaching $7753 last night. The family would have to raise about $100,000 for the trip next May but it would be a game-changer for Austin's life.

To support Austin please head to his Givealittle page.

PERSONALITY-PLUS: More than $7000 has been raised to get Austin Manning to America for surgeries next year in May.

Mrs Manning said the family had lots of events planned for later this year to help raise the money, including a 5km superhero fundraising walk for November 15. "We've only got eight months which isn't long to raise that but we are feeling really positive we are going to. I think people are so kind and amazing. We will get him there no matter what."

Mrs Manning said they had been receiving generous donations from different outfits and groups within the Tauranga community.

"It brings tears to my eyes."

Mrs Manning said her son had an amazing personality.

"He's very intelligent, has a memory like an elephant. If you tell him a cellphone number, he will remember it. He will listen to a song and remember all the words and sing it back."

Austin, who is in Year 2 at St Thomas More Catholic School, is above the national standard for reading and spelling. Austin realises he is not like other children his own age, she said.