Young rugby star's family humbled by fab support

Kaine Lewis is stable. PHOTO/FILE

The family of injured rugby star Kaine Lewis say they have been humbled by the support they have received.

The 16-year-old has been in Waikato Hospital since he was seriously injured in an August 20 crash on Te Ngae Rd.

His grandfather Charlie Teddy, who has raised Kaine with his wife Teri since Kaine was 5, said the support they had received had been "fantastic".

He said they wanted to thank Rotorua Boys' High School, the Chiefs and Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, as well as hospital staff in Rotorua and Hamilton and "the people of Rotorua".

"We really appreciate it. Words can't explain how we feel."

He said Kaine played for Murupara in the Galatea JAB and had worked his way up the Bay representative teams. Kaine's great-grandfather was Maori All Black Ray Keepa.

"He [Kaine] could have been anything he wanted to be. I always told him to reach for the stars; 'you can give rugby a try'. "We ask for everyone to keep praying for him. He's doing well."

Mr Teddy said the Chiefs had paid for four nights' accommodation in Hamilton for the family and had said they "won't stop their support".

Kaine had been moved into the hospital's High Dependency Unit and was still in a critical but stable condition.

Anyone who wishes to help can donate at www.givealittle.

co.nz/cause/coinforkaine.

In yesterday's Rotorua Daily Post it was reported Kaine played his junior rugby for Kahukura but it was actually Murupara. He was attending a Trade Academy placement the day of the crash, not a Gateway programme. The Rotorua Daily Post was supplied incorrect information.