Superhero walk down Mount Main Beach aid to Austin

Austin Manning's superhero walk down Mount Maungnui beach yesterday. Photo George Novak

Dressed as Superman, Austin Manning was carried along Mount Maunganui Main Beach on his chariot yesterday.

A life-sized Batman and Ironman followed behind.

About 100 others, some also dressed as superheroes, followed as the 7-year-old was carried from the Mount Surf Club to Tay St and back.

Austin is one of 7000 Kiwis with cerebral palsy. He suffers from periventricular leukomalacia (a brain injury), asymmetric spastic quadriplegia, developmental delay and has problems with his vision.

Austin's Super Hero Walk helped raise much-needed funds to get him to the United States for life-changing surgeries, not offered in New Zealand. Almost $27,000 had been raised so far but his family estimated $100,000 would be needed.

To support Austin and his journey please visit his Facebook page or his Givealittle page.

Austin's mum Helen Manning said she was blown away by the number of people who showed up.

Many of the faces in the crowd she recognised, but many others she did not, she said. One man she did not know was dressed as Batman.

"He was really funny, he sat there and every time someone asked for a photo he said, 'You got to make a gold coin donation first' - I don't know who he was!"

Mrs Manning said there were about 100 people at the walk, with others making contributions to Austin's Givealittle page.

"We are really happy with the turnout, absolutely blown away," she said.

Batman, aka Tauranga joiner Raymond Hopkins, said he wanted to support the efforts the Manning family were making.

The 35-year-old said he did not know the family but heard about Austin through The Hits radio station.

"It's a worthy cause and every little bit helps. It means a lot for the family," he said.

Image 1 of 10: Austin Manning on his chariot.