Working to get Maddy to US

Greg Best was browsing Facebook one night when he saw a story about five-year-old Maddy Dorrington.

Maddy has cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia, meaning she can't walk, balance or carry out daily activities independently.

But there is hope that one day she will be able to walk on her own and be independent after being accepted for surgery at St Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri, USA.

Mum Gemma has to raise $140,000 to get them from Torbay to Missouri and be able to pay for the physiotherapy treatment needed for a year afterwards.

Her story struck a chord with Greg because Maddy is close in age to his own daughter Mackenzie, who is almost 4.

"Seeing (Mackenzie) grow up every day healthy is an absolute blessing," he said.

"I really feel for the kids when basic freedoms we often take for granted, such as walking, running and playing with friends, are unfairly taken away from them."

The Arkles Bay resident wants to raise money for Maddy, so he set up a Trade Me auction offering a full day's work around the winner's home.

Through the auction and various donations Greg raised $650 and is really happy with the response.

"The auction got nearly 20,000 hits," he said.

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Working to get Maddy to US