The West family, from left, Paige, Chris, Steve and Taylah.
For the last three years the West family has been facing the reality of losing their adored father and husband to Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
But a random act of kindness from a Te Awamutu business has made the family's world a little brighter.
Stubby (Steve) West was diagnosed with MND in 2015 and since then has gradually lost muscle strength, mobility and speech.
Stubby's wife of 27 years, Chris, says MND is "the world's cruellest disease".
"You're trapped in your body and slowly wasting away," she says.
His daughter Taylah, 21, says it's been devastating to watch her dad lose mobility and energy.
"Mentally, dad can climb Mt Kakepuku, but physically, there's no chance of that happening."
MND has no known cure or treatment and six months ago Stubby had to quit work.
With the help of family and friends, the Wests have modified their bathroom and installed a lift to transport Stubby between the two levels of their house.
However, with no financial help from the government, and having to rely on one income, the West family is struggling to stay afloat.
But a kind-hearted Te Awamutu business is putting on a day-long fundraiser event for the family.
Tee A Indoor Miniputt is hosting a mini-golf competition called Waipā at its West.
From 11am to 8pm on Monday, July 16, teams of four can enter in a mini-golf challenge, with all money raised going to the West family.
At the end of the day, the team with the best score wins a trophy and prizes.
Tee A Indoor Miniputt owner Sean Stringfellow says his business was established to provide a service to the community.
"When we saw the Wests needed help our instant thought was to host a mini-golf day."
He says the timeframe of the competition caters for families keen for a school holiday activity, and workmates who want a post-work challenge.
The West family say they are overwhelmed and emotional after having a random business reach out to help them.
The family will use the money to support Stubby and to simply survive one day at a time.
Stubby says he is hugely grateful to Sean and encourages the community to enjoy a day out with friends and family.
He says if he was well he would jump on board with a fundraiser like this for others in a heartbeat.
The event is a private function, so those who take part can walk around the course with drinks or a chilly bin. The cost of entering a team of four is $40.
To register a team contact Paige on 0277662511 or paigey.a.west@gmail.com and for more information visit the Facebook page.
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