Fundraising kicks into gear for three year old

A family raising funds for a much needed mechanical physiotherapy device will receive a boost this Sunday at the Manfeild Automotive show'n'shine.

Nicole Ralston and Adam Kingsford, the parents of three-year-old Ashlynn Kingsford, are seeking to raise $17,000 for an airway clearance vest that will relieve the toddler's severe bronchial disorder.

Ashlynn has primary ciliary dyskinesia, also known as Kartagener syndrome, a genetic disease that affects the upper and lower airways of the lungs. It means the cilia (tiny hairs) lining her airways don't work. The vest is not publicly funded and is only available from the United States.

Ashlynn may eventually need a lung transplant but in the interim, a machine would allow her some resemblance of a normal life said Ms Ralston. The family learned of the vest through their own research and were impressed with results overseas.

The vest uses an electric pump to gently compress and release the chest wall up to 20 times a second, creating "mini-coughs" that dislodge mucus.

Ashlynn's disorder has resulted in frequent visits to both Palmerston North and Starship Hospital. In 2012 Ashlynn spent nine months in hospital struggling with repeated infections and a collapsed lung.

Despite this battle, Ms Ralston said her daughter had a remarkable inner strength and patience.

"She is very strong-minded and she doesn't let things get her down."

Manfeild Park chief executive Heather Verry said the venue was delighted to lend their support with a show that has attracted everything from your beloved family runabout to your extreme performance vehicles.

"We applaud the initiative shown to provide support for Ashylnn and hope that the community responds with kindness," she said.

Manfeild Automotive Festival show'n'shine, May 19 at 9.30am. Tickets $5, under-12s free. For more information or to register your vehicle, contact the Feilding Information Centre on (06) 323-3318.

WHAT IS ASHLYNN'S CONDITION?

An inherited disorder of special cells called cilia.

Can require manual dislodging of mucus up to three times daily.

Several organs are misplaced (switched between left and right).

Estimated to occur in 1 per 32,000 live births.