Axel's mum stunned by cash gifts

Axel Crossley-Coe, right, was born significantly smaller than his identical twin brother Kyan but is just 3mm too tall to qualify for subsidised human growth hormone treatment.

Donations have flooded in for a tiny Northland 3-year-old who is 3mm too tall to qualify for subsidised human growth hormone (HGH) treatment.

As of yesterday, the Givealittle site for Kerikeri boy Axel Crossley-Coe had received more than 160 donations totalling $11,843, from places as far afield as Hong Kong and Canada, with one donation of $5000.

Axel was born significantly smaller than his identical twin Kyan, with a raft of health problems - including physical development issues, deafness and recurring jaundice.

The twins' mother, 20-year-old Kayla Crossley-Coe, set up a Givealittle site last week to fundraise for $10,000-a-year human growth hormone treatment, as well as a car to get Axel to his appointments in Auckland from Kawakawa.

Ms Crossley-Coe was "blown away" by the donations and positive responses following a story on Axel in Saturday's Advocate.

"I'm really overwhelmed," she said. "One person donated $5000. We've got enough now for the car, car seats and six months of human growth hormone, which is a good trial. It blew me away how much people have donated."

And it is not just donations of money - people have come to Ms Crossley-Coe offering free daycare, fundraising at workplaces, as well as messages of support.

"Thank you, I never knew people could be so selfless. It's pretty cool in this community that everyone looks out for everyone," she said.

"I think it's kind of taught me the lesson that it's all right to ask for help sometimes."

Her next goal is to meet in Wellington with other parents with children like Axel, to start a foundation to rally the Government to change the Pharmac restrictions on funded HGH treatment. Axel just misses the criteria for Pharmac subsidy by 3-5mm.

"Growth hormone in New Zealand costs around $10,000 a year but the benefits are incredible. He will develop an appetite and grow to the size of a normal adult. His bones will strengthen and his organs will develop," Ms Crossley-Coe said.

Go here to donate.