Members of the Gilbert-Spicer family say they are overwhelmed by the generosity shown at a fundraiser on Saturday night, when about $15,000 was raised for eight-year-old Alivia.
The Featherston girl had a benign tumour, a pilocytic astrocytoma, removed from her brain in February and a resulting blood clot removed inJuly.
The family spent weeks at Auckland's Starship hospital and, after the worst was over, friends Krystal Traill, Emma Anderson, Davey Jones and Janice Byford-Jones organised a fundraiser at Anzac Hall for Alivia's ongoing health needs. "If anything happens there's going to be money there for Livvy, and for education later on too," said Alivia's mum, Hannah Gilbert. She said she had not expected the number that came - 180 - and was overwhelmed by the support. The occasion had provided a much-needed night out for the family, but also brought memories of Livvy's health scare back, but that was all part of the healing.
Ms Gilbert said Alivia was in good health, attending school every day this term and getting on the dance floor on Saturday.
Family members said they were still recovering from the ordeal, but say they will use some of the money raised to go on a family holiday next year.
Spokeswoman Mrs Traill said planning the event had been exhausting, however, "It was really humbling, seeing the people who have given to us, who came on the night and the support they gave to us."
Warren Maxwell's new band Vinyl Bison and Moana Leota provided entertainment, and businesses provided prizes for auction. They included tickets to Saturday's All Blacks vs Argentina game, packages from the White Swan, Wellington Zoo, Toast Martinborough, a Kaikoura whale watching trip and even a date with Alama Ieremia.
"We ended up with so much we didn't know when to stop," said Mrs Traill.
