FUNDS to improve a paralysed Logan boy’s quality of life have been boosted by $4700 thanks to staff at Redlands’ Heritage Bank branches.
It is the second installment given to Campaign for Samuel by the bank, with $10,000 donated earlier this year.
SEE RELATED: Samuel to return home sooner thanks to donation
Heritage Bank chief executive officer Peter Lock said he was delighted at the fundraising efforts by staff.
“We are particularly proud of the teams pulling together,” he said.
Employees not only held fancy dress days and morning teas to help raise the initial donation, but also auctioned donated goods.
The latest hand over, given today, was generated through sales of the bank’s calendars, which can be bought for a gold coin donation.
Mr Lock said support for the boy was triggered when a letter from Samuel’s grandfather and longtime Heritage Bank customer, Eric Thorne of Ormiston, was received.
“If it wasn’t for Eric, we wouldn’t know about Campaign for Samuel,” he said. “It shows the power of love.”
The campaign was launched after Samuel, 11, was left physically disabled by the neurological condition transverse myelitis in late 2015.
Money, then out of reach of his parents Jane and Craig, was needed to modify the family home for Samuel’s return.
While Samuel has left hospital thanks to completed hallway widening and other adjustments, his father Craig Thorne said more needed to be done.
He said the $4700 from Heritage Bank would help pay for a concrete ramp to the front entrance.
“Every amount helps for ongoing care and expense needed,” he said.
Other money will be raised from Eric Thorne’s upcoming 890km hike along the Camino Frances in late August.
Mr Thorne said he hoped to raise dollars from other pilgrims he met while on the trail.
With tickets booked and an itinerary arranged, the 83-year-old said all that was left to do was train.
While he has completed the track twice before for a challenge, Mr Thorne said his main purpose for his third trip was to raise funds for his grandson.
Samuel said he was proud of his grandfather’s work to help him.
“I find it amazing that he’s fit enough to do the walk,” Samuel said. “He’s more than seven times my age.”
To help, visit Campaign for Samuel or the associated Facebook page here.