The Spartans rugby 10s tournament at Miller Park came back from a one year absence with some good rugby on display, along with the Ranfurly Shield, all being played for the cause of young Dunedin boy Harry Finch (3).
Harry, a twin, was born prematurely at 29 weeks and has cerebral palsy spastic diplegia in the muscles in his legs, making walking difficult. He is not yet able to stand or walk independently.
There is hope, however. He has been accepted for surgery at St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri in the United States.
The surgery will give Harry a better chance of walking independently. The surgery and physiotherapy is not funded in New Zealand, and will cost $NZ150,000.
A fundraising campaign was launched last year, and it received a big boost on Saturday.
An auction held after the events totalled some significant funds, as signed rugby jerseys went for over $2000 each.
Harry’s dad, Hayden Finch, said although they had some bills to pay, more than $30,000 was raised from the day.
"It is quite humbling really. Just to see all the people there and all the support we had. It is hard not to get emotional when you talk about it," he said.
He said Harry had a great day and enjoyed meeting everyone. A team, Harry’s Heroes, packed with former All Blacks and provincial players, turned out in the senior grade.
A golf day was planned next month to raise more funds, but Mr Finch said they were now only awaiting an email from the hospital authorities in the United States and the family would be on the first flight over.
