Help wanted for boy in need

Umina resident Ms Susie O'Donnell is calling on the Peninsula community to help raise money for a local boy in need.

Eight-year-old Levi Ransfield suffers from a degenerative bone disease which consists of severe kyphoscoliosis and osteoporosis.

Levi is unable to breathe at night without the help of a bipap machine because of his decreased lung capacity.

Levi recently suffered a leg fracture and he is unlikely to be able to bend his leg again without causing further damage.

"With around-the-clock care required, Levi's mum Danielle is in need of help to raise funds for Levi and is in urgent need of new transport for herself and Levi," Ms O'Donnell said.

"Levi and Danielle are two of the most remarkable people I have ever met.

"They are in need of community support to help them live life a little easier."

Ms O'Donnell has organised several fundraising events, including an afternoon tea and raffles, for Levi and has raised more than $1500 to date.

"We have decided to keep going with the fundraising to try and gather up more community support for this worthy cause," Ms O'Donnell said.

Ms O'Donnell will be holding a garage sale and sausage sizzle on Saturday, December 1, at her home at 26 Bena Rd, Umina.

"The response with the afternoon tea and raffles has been great," Ms O'Donnell said.

"We had trouble advertising the last two events and are hoping to gain more support from the community with the upcoming fundraiser."

Ms O'Donnell is a registered nurse at Gosford Hospital and helps cares for Levi.

Clare Graham, 23 Nov 2007