Dad on lifesaving mission for son

Robbie Martin wants to fly to England to give son Jimmy, above, a kidney.

Community weighs in to help boxing-club owner fly to England to give his sick son a kidney.

Robbie Martin is a man who is used to helping youths in his local community. Now the community is giving back - helping to raise $10,000 so he can fly to England to donate a kidney for his sick son.

Members of the Petone Boxing Club that Mr Martin owns with his wife Angie started the fundraising effort as a way to give back to the man who they said helped thousands of people over the years through his dedication and commitment to the boxing industry and local community.

Mr Martin's son Jimmy, 21, is in a hospital in Sheffield, where his kidneys are failing after he damaged them, as well as his heart and liver, through drug abuse when he was 16.

Mr Martin flew to England in January when Jimmy, one of his five sons, was put into intensive care after having a bad turn.

Knowing it was his last chance to do something, Mr Martin had his kidneys tested while over there to see if they were compatible with his son. Now back in Wellington, he has had results saying they are.

But the cost of flying back to England with his wife to have the surgery is too much for the couple to afford.

Last night the Givealittle page, set up by members of the boxing gym, had more than $3400 donated.

Mr Martin said he was blown away and surprised by the generosity and support he had received, with donations also coming in from people in Australia and Britain. He said it was all "very humbling".

But Mr Martin played down what he was doing for his son, and said it was a "bit of a no-brainer, really".

"I've got two kidneys and I only need one."

Rescue trip
•Robbie Martin is trying to raise enough money to fly to Britain to donate a kidney for his sick son.
•His son is 21-year-old Jimmy Martin, who damaged his kidneys, as well as his heart and liver, through drug abuse when he was 16.
•To donate click here.