Auction and generous community help Carterton Dad

HEARTWARMING: Nick Perkins and sons Thomas (left), 4, and Lachlan, 2, receive home baking to lift their spirits while Nick is fundraising for costly MS treatment.

Nick Perkins is looking to a "fun night out" and auction to raise the lion's share of the funds needed for his groundbreaking stem cell treatment.

The Carterton IT technician and father-of-two, who featured in Midweek on March 9, has multiple sclerosis (MS) and is to receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Singapore to halt progression of the disease.

Nick and his family are fundraising to pay for his treatment, flights and accommodation, which comes to around $200,000NZ. One of his many fundraising projects is "Glam and Gumboots," a dinner and auction night at Copthorne Solway Park on May 21.

Nick said the auction idea was inspired by Greytown's Nikki Regnault, currently receiving the same procedure in Singapore, with whom he is in close contact.

Last year, Nikki's family organised a quiz night and auction, and raised close to $20,000 for her treatment.

"It's good to have the support of people who have been through it," Nick said.

"The auction should be a fun night, and will hopefully bring in a big chunk of what we need. We've got a few projects in the wings. When you say you're fundraising, people come up with 100 ideas."

Nick and wife Danielle are busy engaging with local businesses to find items for the auction. So far, they have been donated a car from Eastwood Motor Group, art work from Carterton painter Lize Lamprecht, sports memorabilia, wine and accommodation and restaurant vouchers.

The dinner will also feature a raffle and musical entertainment by Martinborough covers band Short Circuit.

As well as the auction dinner, Nick's family will hold a sale of pre-loved designer clothing, organised by his mother-in-law, Leanne Hayes.

Pak 'n Save Masterton has also come on board, asking customers to add $1 to their bill towards Nick's treatment, and sisters Hannah and Megan Wyeth have set up a fundraising table at the Featherston Market.

The Givealittle page Nick set up has now raised over $10,000, with some donors giving as much as $500 at a time.

Finally, community group Givealittle Kindness for Carterton has organised donations of baked goods to boost the Perkins' spirits.

Nick said receiving such support has been "a humbling experience".

"I've never really been involved in the community, and people have still said they want to help.

"It's so heartwarming."

Since his first interview with Midweek, Nick's condition relapsed and "knocked [him] around a bit".

"But if anything, that makes me more determined to get this thing off the ground.

"Thankfully, I'm doing better and am back at work."

If you wish to buy tickets to the auction dinner, contact Nick Perkins on 027 234 5074, or Danielle Perkins on 027 373 9966. Tickets are $90, or $800 for a table of 10.