Recent fundraisers have helped nudge young Whakatāne woman Rachel Weatherly closer to being able to get lifesaving overseas surgery.

A combined auction and vehicle launch at Nicholson Autos last Thursday saw approximately 80 people turn out in support of Miss Weatherly, who has been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Abdominal Vascular Compressions.

The conditions make eating extremely painful, causing the former star footballer to be severely malnourished.

The only treatment option that will give Miss Weatherly back a normal life is surgery, which is available only overseas.

She is hopeful the surgery will be done in Australia before the end of the month.

So, she and her family have taken to fundraising, and their community has got behind them wholeheartedly.

Surgery is estimated to cost between $60,000 and $200,000, depending on whether it can be done in Australia, or if Miss Weatherly will need to travel to Germany instead.

Nicholson Autos dealer principal Francois du Toit said it was great to see the community come out to support Miss Weatherly at their Stand with Rachel event last week.

Among the items sold at auction were a VIP Warriors game day experience for four, signed sports jerseys, a Too Pretty handbag, an assortment of items from Repco, motorcross gear from Underwood Wilkins and a Stihl Shop Stihl GTA 26 Battery Pruner.

Mr du Toit said every item sold, with some even handed back to be re-auctioned.

Upwards of $11,700 was raised through both the auction and donations made on the night.

Miss Weatherly said the fundraiser was amazing.

“It was so nice to see the community coming together to support me along with family and friends.

“I was lucky enough to get a chance to make a speech to help spread awareness as there are many others in my shoes right now who also need the same support and are needing to head overseas for the same surgery.

“I would like to thank all the local businesses who helped out by donating items to auction off; Repco, Underwood Wilkins, Too Pretty, and Stihl Shop.”

Hair Studios Whakatāne helped Miss Weatherly glam up before the event.

Whakatāne Town AFC, Miss Weatherly’s former football club, held a garage sale-style fundraiser for her on Saturday.

Miss Weatherly said it was an amazing feeling to have her football club get behind her to help her return to the pitch.

“These two fundraisers raised more than my expectations, and really gave us the nudge we needed to get closer to our fundraising goal that we have nearly reached.”

Miss Weatherly is also grateful to have the support of Bayleys Whakatāne, which sold wooden Christmas trees as part of its Light Up Whakatāne display, with all proceeds going to Miss Weatherly’s Givealittle.

The fundraising efforts aren’t over yet, though.

At the end of this month, there will be a car show held in the carpark opposite 1XX, along with food trucks and raffles.

Raffle prizes have been sponsored by local businesses including Wills Autoworks, Commerce Street Autos, Mitre 10,  Southern Cross Autos, Orange and Clint Boon Automotives.

The event kicks off at midday on August 30.

The Weatherly family may be unable to attend if surgery goes ahead in Australia.

In addition to local businesses getting behind the effort to change Miss Weatherly’s life, she said Sasha at McTimoney Body Alignment has gone above and beyond to help her.

“I have been seeing her daily to help improve my quality of life in so many ways I never thought would be possible.

“We are lucky to be part of such an amazing community who rally together to help support each other. My family and I are incredibly lucky to call Whakatāne our home.”

Donations can be made to Miss Weatherly’s Givealittle page: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/please-help-rachel-get-another-chance-at-life-1