THE family and friends of Warrnambool man Bryn Murfett have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the south-west community.
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In just five months an appeal set up to raise funds for specialised equipment, house alterations and possibly another trip overseas for stem cell treatment has exceeded its $100,000 target.
Mr Murfett was seriously injured in a road accident in Thailand last year which left him with a severely damaged spinal cord and without feeling below the waist.
His family and friends put together a committee and launched the 4Bryn Appeal and on Saturday night a fund-raising auction pushed the total amount raised above the target, as close to $40,000 flowed in.
Appeal co-ordinator and Bryn’s brother Rohan Murfett said they were very excited and blown away with the response.
“We’ve raised more than $100,000 in five months,” he said.
“The generosity of the community has been amazing, just mind blowing.
“I can’t thank the 4Bryn committee enough, they have done amazing work.”
Mr Murfett said they were now working to organise an overseas trip for stem cell therapy. He said there was a fantastic response to Saturday’s auction, with many items selling well above their estimated value.
He said Ray White Warrnambool agent Ben Turner-Dwyer also donated his $2500 commission from his first sale of 2014.
“We had 40 different sponsors for the auction,” he said.
“The Noosa holiday package sold for $4500, the table made from Criterion Hotel timber sold for $2500 and the Bam Stone bluestone package sold for $8400.
“The Lorne accommodation package sold for twice what it was worth. It was just an amazing night.”
jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au