One young man and his family, who have given so much to the community, are in need of help to raise funds for a life-changing wheelchair accessible van.
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Allan Bell is a 13-year-old boy from Longford who has cerebral palsy, a cheeky attitude, and a kind heart.
His mother describes him as a lovely kid, with a warped sense of humour, who can get his point across without the ability to speak.
"He's the most gentle soul," she said.
"He loves books, likes to go to the park and is a real social kid.
"He likes his iPad too."
Allan's parents are in desperate need of a wheelchair accessible van to provide the best quality of life possible for their son.
The Fairy Godmothers - a registered non-profit organisation which assist Tasmanian families that have children with disabilities, special needs and medical conditions - have put a vehicle on hold for the Bell family, but time is running out to raise the funds.
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The Bell family are selling their old van but have under three weeks to save the extra money needed to buy the wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Ms Bell said she was humbled to see the donations.
"It's fantastic. I feel really humbled because we have never asked for help. It's just been amazing," she said.
"Allan's wheelchair that he is in now doesn't fit our van.
"We could not take the wheelchair and we could go somewhere but that means I can't support him around where we have to go."
Ms Bell wanted to thank everybody who had rallied and helped so far.
"The [Fairy Godmothers] have been absolutely fantastic."
"[The community] has just been absolutely fantastic too, but we still have a long way to go," she said.
A one-of-a-kind family
Allan's parents, Karen and Wayne Bell, are remarkable in that they have fostered over 100 children in 30 years.
They have 14 children currently, six of whom are foster children they have adopted, and three have a disability.
Ms Bell said she was a street kid, and had been kicked out of home at 13 and never went back.
As she got older she found life tough on the street and that is why she wanted to foster children.
The Bell's had a big house and thought "why not", but made sure to ask their children first before taking on any more family members.
"It's been hard, it's been really hard sometimes, [but worthwhile]," Ms Bell said.
"There's been some really good rewards out if it."
She tried to ensure the children she took in still were able to have a connection to their family.
"I didn't take the kids away, welfare did," Ms Bell said.
The family have been active members of the Longford community, and have had a rough time in the last few years with other health issues.
Fairy Godmothers
The Fairy Godmothers president Jessica Tabart said the families that received help through the organisation sometimes sought it themselves but other times it came to them through word of mouth.
She said the vehicle would be life-changing for the Bell family if the funds were raised.
"It's just going to be life changing for the whole family to be able to go out and about together, and for Allan to be able to get into the community like we all take for granted."
"Not only is it something that will assist the family, but it will be a huge thing for Allan.
"[The family have not asked for help] the whole time they have had children, they have tried to get everything they have required themselves."
Ms Tabart said Ms Bell refused to have a vehicle that was too expensive or was brand new.
She said that is why the organisation existed, as often it was hard for people to ask for help, and even harder for them to accept it.
"We obviously have so many funding requests come to us over the years and although we feel for each and every one, this one has really struck at the heart," she said.
"I have never seen such a selfless and deserving family that have been through so much and shown so much strength."
Ms Tabart said raising the money could come from people just giving up their $5 coffee for the day and donating the money instead.
"People are really seeing the life changing effects that a piece of equipment can have to someone," she said.
Alternatively, donations can be made via bank transfer, cash or cheque and can be enquired about by email at enquiries@thefairygodmothers.com.au.
Every donation over $2 is tax deductible.
Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
