Tim Nanai-Williams gives thanks as Andrew Strawbridge givealittle page hits $17,000

Tim Nanai-Williams has expressed his heartfelt thanks to the people who have helped donate more than $17,000 to the givealittle page raising funds. Photo / Christine Cornege

Samoan International and Chiefs player Tim Nanai-Williams has expressed his heartfelt thanks to the people who have helped donate more than $17,000 to the givealittle page raising funds for Samoa's intensive care unit.

Meanwhile, Strawbridge remains in a critical but stable condition in the Waikato Hospital Intensive Care Unit after responding briefly to family during the day.

A mix of Chiefs players from the All Blacks and Manu Samoa including Williams and his cousin Sonny Bill Williams, Chiefs captain Liam Messam, Maori All Black captain Charlie Ngatai and Brad Weber visited Strawbridge in the Moto'otua National Hospital Intensive Care Unit immediately after the historic Samoan v All Blacks Test match.

Chiefs assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge remains in a critical but stable condition in the Waikato Hospital Intensive Care Unit after responding briefly to family today. Photo / Getty Images

Tim Nanai-Williams said it was "devastating to see someone you are so close to, fighting for his life".

"It really hit us all hard and we all felt really helpless.

"We started praying and talking about rugby stories and how competitive he is because we wanted him to use that competitive nature to fight for life and his family.

"The staff in the ICU worked incredibly hard with the basic equipment they have and I think it is amazing that the Strawbridge family are helping to fundraise to get more equipment for the ICU. Seeing it first hand was a real eye-opener and I want to encourage anyone who wants to donate to do so."

There has been $17,000 raised so far for the appeal that was started on Monday by the Strawbridge family.

The money raised will go towards medical equipment for the Moto'otua ICU including, a computer, syringe pumps, echo machine, airway equipment, ICU dialysis machine, a vital signs transport monitor and a portable oximeter.

To donate visit: http://givealittle.co.nz/cause/strawbridgeappealforsamoaicu