Strong support for stroke victim

Tali Mulu suffered a severe and life threatening stroke. Photo / Supplied

The family of a young man struck down by a stroke have received a financial boost from his workmates and employer.

Tali Mulu, 27, collapsed at his home in Otahuhu on Friday and is now in Auckland City Hospital. He was left paralysed on the right side of his body and was initially unable to speak, although on Wednesday he managed, with encouragement, to get a few mumbled words out.

A bed-maker at the Sleepyhead factory in Otahuhu, Mr Mulu is his family's sole provider.

Sleepyhead's owner, Craig Turner, said the company was committed to helping Mr Mulu and would continue to pay his salary for the foreseeable future until long-term arrangements could be made.

"Given Tali is the family's sole provider, we wanted to take away their financial worries so they can concentrate on getting him well.

"The 320 staff at our Otahuhu headquarters and factory, where Tali works in the base-making department, have also organised a collection for him, while our friends at Big Save Furniture have given Tali a top-of-the-range recliner chair."

Mr Turner said his staff were hard-working and loyal and "very important to our business".

To donate, see givealittle.co.nz/cause/help4tali