Help pours in for family
A BATTLING couple shed tears of joy after receiving a heartwarming gift to help them care for their two children who suffer from a rare neurological disorder.
Molly and Luke Peach both suffer from a lack of protein to the brain BPAN ( Beta- propeller protein- associated neurodegeneration) which means both children are non- verbal and have developmental issues.
Although eight- year- old Molly can run and play, sadly her threeyear- old little brother is confined to a wheelchair as Luke also suffers cerebral palsy.
With multiple medical appointments each week parents Erin and James struggle to transport Luke in a standard family sedan.
Yesterday the Peach family were presented with a brand new LDV G10 van thanks to the generosity of people touched by their circumstances.
“I’m amazed by everyone’s generosity and help for us,” Erin said.
“They ( the children) have BPAN, it’s a lack of protein in the brain, Molly has autistic tendencies and they both have epilepsy … Luke has signs of quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy; they both have a developmental delays.
“( This van) will change our life dramatically … Luke requires speech, OT and physio weekly, Molly requires speech and OT … it’s a lot of time but well worth it. “They are both great kids.” The Peaches had been saving for a van which could be fitted with wheelchair access and were considering taking a loan out against their home before a caring friend teamed up with the Rotary Clubs of Townsville Sunrise and Munding- burra, along with Pickerings Auto Group. Amy Pirrone has been fundraising for the Peach family for months and in October will step into a boxing ring to participate in Fight for a Cause.
She approached the Rotary clubs who each donated $ 5000 which combined with more than $ 2500 from her own efforts. That money was matched dollar for dollar by the Rotary Australia Benevolent Society making more than $ 25,000.
Pickerings also substantially reduced the cost of the vehicle and the van will be fitted with wheelchair access when NDIS funding is finalised.
“It’s such a moving story and it’s real … these are real Townsville people,” Ms Pirrone said.
“They are a beautiful family. Erin never complains. She is always happy and upbeat for her kids so it is a great honour ( to be able to help.”
Ms Pirrone is still going to fight in October despite already achieving her goal but she said no matter what happens in the boxing ring she feels like she has already won.
Rotary Club of Townsville Sunrise Member Tim McKee said the car handover was the best day he had experienced in 30 years.