Austin on track for surgery

Austin Manning and the 2016 Gallagher Chiefs team.

Almost half the money needed to get Austin Manning to America for life-changing surgeries has been raised.

Austin's Dream to Walk Givealittle page has reached $49,389, and with only five months to go until he flies to the US his family are confident they will be able to raise the rest in time. In the next few months the Manning family are gearing up their fundraising efforts and will be featured in the Chiefs' Supersub Fundraising Dinner in January 27, the Bayfair night markets on January 2 and a movie night in the new year.

Austin, 7, is one of 7000 in New Zealand with cerebral palsy. He suffers from periventricular leukomalacia (a brain injury), asymmetric spastic quadriplegia, developmental delay and has problems with his vision. There are no operations available in New Zealand to relieve the spasticity of his limbs caused by the cerebral palsy - yet there is one in the US.

The surgery, which reduces muscle stiffness, is offered by Dr Park at St Louis Children's Hospital.

Having raised $10,000 a month for the past five months, Helen Manning said she was amazed at the progress they had made.

"We keep thinking if we keep the momentum going, we would have raised enough by the time May comes around."

Mrs Manning said the Chiefs evening would be one to remember.

The one-off event would be emceed by head coach Dave Rennie and Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks Sam Cane, Brodie Retallick and Tawera Kerr-Barlow would open up about their gold-medal performances in a interview session hosted by Aaron Cruden, she said.

Mrs Manning said each table on the night would also have two chiefs representatives dining with the guest as a part of the event.

The support from the local community had been overwhelming over the past five months.

From Austin's school, local businesses, clubs and individuals, people had been generous even in the silly season, she said.

"I cannot believe the kindness of people and over Christmas time too, when they are all busy rushing trying to organise their own lives they still think of other people. It has been pretty eye-opening to see people give so much."

Austin was really excited about having his operation too, she said.

"He said 'Mum, hopefully this time next year I will be able to walk out to get my Santa sack.'

"He knows he has to work hard after it, but he's up for it. He's really excited and he's getting stronger and he's doing more every day."

The Chiefs' Supersub Fundraising Dinner:

* When: Wednesday January 27 at 6pm

* Where: ASB Baypark, Mount Maunganui

* Price: $1200 a table (seats eight plus two Chiefs representatives) plus GST. Includes a buffet dinner and there are some fantastic auction items up for grabs including Chiefs VIP game experiences and signed 2015 Rugby World Cup apparel.