Family appeal for help

A Stanthorpe family has made a heartfelt appeal for community support.

Parents Kerry and Ray Zorzi struggle with the day-to-day needs of their much-loved son Blake, 11, who was born with cerebral palsy.

Blake, who also suffers from epilepsy and scoliosis, has limited movement and requires constant care.

During an average visit to Brisbane for treatment, Mrs Zorzi said she can lift Blake in and out of their vehicle more than six times as well as loading his wheelchair.

The heavy lifting has contributed to Mrs Zorzi’s ongoing back pain and has increased the risk of her developing a long-term injury.

While the family already has a vehicle, which is in the process of being modified, more money is needed to make the repayments.

“To transport Blake safely we need a modified vehicle and we’re about $20,000 short,” she said.

Mrs Zorzi said the average accessibility vehicle costs around $75,000 with special modifications.

The Zorzi family is appealing to members of the community to help, through donations and/or fundraising initiatives.

“We’re planning a range of events and would love for more people to get involved, by making donations or bringing items to sell and help with fundraising,” Mrs Zorzi said.

“It would be great if we could get as many people as possible to contribute, whether that is with monetary donations or by adding to our events.”

Donations can be made to NAB Blake Read-Zorzi Trust account via BSB 084 880 and Account Number 130362800.

Phone Kerry on 0439 281 149 or Jan on 0412 828 543.