Community groups, schools, businesses and individuals have turned out in droves to support Rachel Weatherly, a 22-year-old with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome and Abdominal Vascular Compressions who is fundraising for overseas surgery.

Miss Weatherly, a former talented football player and recipient of two international scholarships, has been living with extreme pain and unable to keep down enough food to maintain weight.

Surgery will enable a return to normal life.

Over the past three weeks, a series of fundraisers have been held to contribute to Miss Weatherly’s Givealittle page, starting with a double fundraiser at Whakatāne High School.

Prefects quickly organised a sausage sizzle and a Wear a Sports Shirt mufti day on June 25 to support the cause.

Prefect Michah Harrison Walker said the school did not hesitate to support the former student.

“She’s one of our own; we’re all just wanting to come together to support her,” he said.

Fellow prefect Lily Isaac said it was likely the school would follow up with further fundraisers in the new term.

Miss Weatherly contributed to the fundraiser by quickly defrosting extra sausages after the first batch sold out faster than anticipated.

Her dad, Pete Weatherly, said he was surprised and humbled to hear about the school fundraiser.

“I've been to this school since 1980, we spent four years here, all the brothers came to this school, our two daughters came to this school – both excelled. The teachers at Whakatāne High School kept the girls on straight,” he said.

Bayleys Whakatāne has also backed the cause, turning its light festival display into a festive fundraiser.

Rhys Mischefski from Bayleys said the business was alerted to the cause by the Beacon’sstory about Miss Weatherly’s struggle to be diagnosed and access treatment.

“I have met Rachel, she is a very nice young lady,” Mr Mischefski said.

“We were already doing the light show in our office; we had wooden Christmas trees for a mid-winter Christmas theme.

“We had the thought to sell them and donate the money to charity, and there’s no better one at the moment than Rachel’s deservingness.”

The wooden tree decorations come in small, medium and large sizes, with approximately 30 available for purchase, and all funds will be donated to Miss Weatherly’s Givealittle page.

Miss Weatherly was able to visit Bayleys on the opening night of Light Up Whakatāne, and provided handwritten thank you cards to be given alongside each purchased tree.

“If someone collects all three sizes, you’ll have the most unique Christmas tree this year,” Mr Mischefski said.

He invites anyone seeking a tree decoration to pop into Bayleys to learn more.

Mr Weatherly said Flatline Computer Company also contributed a sizeable donation, after helping the family unlock Miss Weatherly’s medical imaging and transfer them to USB sticks to send to overseas surgeons.

Miss Weatherly and one of her best friend’s, Kim Hussey, held a stall at a Sunday Market, selling old clothes and belongings for further funds.

More fundraisers are planned in the coming months, with Miss Weatherly’s former club, Whakatāne Football Club, running a garage sale, bake sale and sausage sizzle on August 2.

She and her family are preparing to travel to Australia in August for a consultation about surgery options. If the surgery required is available in Australia, this would be less of a financial strain on the family.

If Australia is not an option, Miss Weatherly will have to travel to Germany for surgery.

“Me and my family are so grateful for the immense support from our community. Our family feel all the love and support, it continues to bring us hope,” Miss Weatherly said.

She has already been giving back to others in need, with several girls reaching out to ask for her support, advice and advocacy over the past three weeks.

She said she was amazed at how her article had already helped people across New Zealand facing similar situations. It has given her opportunities to share her tips and tricks to stay as nutritionally stable as possible under the circumstances.

Mr Weatherly is proud of her ability to support others.

“She’s been a go-to girl for direction for some of these kids. We are super proud of her – even while sick and trying to sort herself out, she finds time to help others.

“She might not be scoring goals on the football field, but now she’s helping others with the same disease to aim high and score their goals to get better, yet she does it so humbly. She’s a hero.”

So far, the family has raised $28,829 of their $150,000 goal.

To support Ms Weatherly and her recovery, visit her Givealittle page at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/please-help-rachel-get-another-chance-at-life-1

Auction for Rachel's surgery

Nicholsons Auto is planning an auction to raise funds for Rachel Weatherley’s overseas surgery.

Dealer principal Francois du Toit said Nicholsons had a long-standing working and customer relationship with her dad, Pete Weatherly.

“When he approached us, we said, ‘definitely, we want to get involved’.

The Nicholsons team is organising an auction evening, emceed by Sun FM on August 7 for both Nicholson’s customers and the community. RSVP will be available closer to the event.

Snacks and drinks will be provided as attendees peruse and bid on a range of spectacular auction items, including signed sports shirts from high-performing teams such as the All Blacks 2023 World Cup team, the Black Ferns and signed Phoenix merchandise.

One of the top items will be a Warriors VIP experience for their highly anticipated game in Auckland on August 29. The package includes flights to Auckland, four GWM Front row seats, hospitality package and potentially an opportunity to meet some of the players.

Mr du Toit said the Nicholsons was still collecting auction items, and anyone with ideas or donations for the fundraising event could contact him at [email protected] or 021 047 1032.

“This is definitely a cause the whole community needs to get behind. We will make it a fun evening,” he said.

The evening will also debut a brand-new product for Nicholsons, where Miss Weatherly will reveal the Kia Tasman Ute. Mr du Toit said further new products may be on display on the night.