Raising funds for toddler

Frankie Watson with auntry Lucy Selak 11-years-old at a bike-a-thon fundraiser organised by Fankies older sisters kindergarten, Tararua Educare Childrens's Centre.

Tararua Educare Children's Centre recently held a bike-a-thon raising $250 for Frankie Watson, a two-year-old Levin boy suffering from a rare lung disease that means he is connected to an oxygen tank 24/7.

Without cure or treatment for Neuroendocrine Hyperplasia of Infancy (NEHI), Frankie Watson relies on his family to carry his oxygen tank everywhere, limiting the toddler's mobility.

Frankie is the only child in New Zealand who has this condition and little research has been done on the disease. The Watson family needs to raise $20,000 to train an assistance dog that can carry small oxygen cylinders so Frankie can move around more freely.

Half the funds have been raised to date.

Frankie's mum Nadia said the support from Tararua Educare was overwhelming.

"It's lovely to see how wonderful and supportive a community can be."

At Tararua Educare, where one of Frankie's sisters goes, team leader Kimberley Frecklington said supporting families, was part of the character of the centre.

"If we can do something to help out a family in need then we go for it," she said.

Frankie's assistance puppy, Mali, is currently being trained by Assistance Dog New Zealand. Mali is a Kiwi Pride Australian Labradoodle, a purpose-bred dog that is allergy-friendly. His specialised training will involve small tethered weights that will be slowly increased, preparing him for carrying Frankie's oxygen bottles - cylinders each weighing just over two kilos.

"We are taking a chance on the unknown but we have faith that Mali will complete his training and be awarded public access to help Frankie's mobility," said Mrs Watson.

¦ To donate go to Frankie Watson's givealittle page.