'He's a really nice kid': Over $100k raised for needy Evan

Photo / Cambell Live / TV 3

Christmas has come early for a Christchurch 12-year-old, after more than $100,000 was raised to correct his buck-teeth which have ruined his life.

Evan Hill told TV3's Campbell Live earlier this week that he is teased and bullied at school about his teeth - described by orthodontist Rob Sluiter as the one of the worst cases he has seen in 25 years.

While the upper jaw is meant to sit at a two degree tilt, Evan's sits at a 12 degree angle, however his cash-strapped family cannot afford the dental bill, which could be up to $12,000. His overbite is so great, there is almost a 2cm gap between his top and bottom teeth.

"They make me look funny and silly," Evan told Campbell Live. "(The kids at school) call me a bunny rabbit and I'm not."

Evan's dad Stephen told the show it had been a hard year for the family.

"Since the earthquakes I've had a death in the family, my mum passed away, and my dad's house was virtually in the red zone, he found it hard to cope with that and had a stroke, now he's in a rest home.

"So I'm here by myself looking after the kids."

On his single wage the family only just get by and do not have a car to take Evan to dental appointments.

Neighbour Phil Cooper approached the current affairs show to see what could be done to help.

"A lot of us judge others by their covers and who they look like on the outside, but actually he's a really nice kid."

While basic dental treatment is free to those under 18, Evan's treatment is not considered basic.

After Evan's story screened on Campbell Live on Wednesday, the show was inundated with feedback and donations. More than $100,000 has been raised, which will be placed in a trust. Part of the money was also used to buy the Hill family a car.

"There are people out there willing to help others in need. Especially like you," Stephen told his son last night. "I would like to thank you for this kind gesture."

- Herald Online Staff