Generosity helps Roxy get needed gear

Roxy Anderson, 6, is living life to the fullest despite her physical disability. PHOTO/NATHAN CROMBIE

A Givealittle page for 6-year-old Masterton schoolgirl Roxy Anderson has raised more than $3000 and attracted help near and far.

The Douglas Park School pupil was born with multiple pterygium syndrome, or Escobar syndrome, which causes an array of orthopaedic disorders and joint contractures, spinal curvature and distinctive facial features like drooping eyelids, a small jaw and lowset ears.

Her mother Nikki Anderson launched the online charity page to help pay for a winter pair of expensive orthotic footwear for Roxy, a home-use walking frame, and swimming and ballet lessons -- all of which were beyond a single-parent budget.

Donors pledged $3167 to Roxy through the page during its month-long run, Ms Anderson said, as well as specialist gear that was handed on directly for Roxy to use.

The Wairarapa Times-Age story had also run in the New Zealand Herald and on the Herald website, and had won the attention of former New Zealand representative long-distance runner Allison Roe.

The story outlined how Roxy had burned through several tricycles bought at The Warehouse, and Ms Roe passed on the story to mutual friends of The Warehouse founder Sir Stephen Tindall.

He donated to Roxy a two-wheeler bicycle, complete with trainer wheels, that was handed over at the Masterton branch of the nationwide retail chain.

Masterton hobbyist toymaker Mike Wallace also built and donated a wooden horse tailor-made for Roxy to ride, and Masterton podiatrist Adam Phillips, of Masterton Foot Clinic, produced a pair of shoes for Roxy that were designed for the legs braces she must wear.

Auckland paddle board company BlueMako as well had named Roxy as one of four children who would receive up to $1000 from the auction of specially designed boards in the company's Boards for a Cause project.

"I'm just so grateful to everybody who donated, and to the businesses and professional people who got involved -- Mr Tindall, BlueMako, Mike Wallace, the Times-Age, Adam Phillips. Amazing people. I never expected to raise quite so much, and all the donated equipment as well. It's just awesome."

Ms Anderson said the funds had already paid for much-needed gear and private swimming lessons for Roxy, which she will start next school term.

The balance will be used to help cater to Roxy's needs as they arise.