The family of little Charlie Taylor are over the moon with the response of the community which has rallied behind them, raising more than $40,000 for the toddler.
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Born with a rare genetic eye condition, Charlie requires surgery overseas to correct his vision. His condition is a rare congenital anomaly that means his eyelids are underdeveloped and they cannot open as far as they should be able to.
Charlies dad, Max Taylor, said words cannot describe the outpouring of love, support and kind words.
"Everyone's generosity and prayers and love, I cannot put into words how much it means to us, just to know that there are so many people out there who have been touched by his story," Mr Taylor said.
"We have had support from all different kinds of people and businesses wanting to help out anyway they can.
"There is hope for Charlie that he will be able to get the operation he needs that will change his life."
Donations have gone over the halfway mark of the family's goal of $70,000. One single donation totalled $18,000.
"That donation was from a very, very distant relative of Charlie, who he has never met," Mr Taylor said.
"She heard his story and it touched her heart and she wanted to help and support us, which has just blown us away."
The creation of the GoFundMe was the result of a chance encounter which Mr Taylor didn't know at the time would change their lives.
"It was a random interaction when I was wheeling Charlie around the Coles Kings Meadows and I bumped into one of the guys working there and we got chatting," he said.
"He asked about Charlie and I told him about his rare condition and that we are trying really hard to save money for surgery to improve his life.
"That really touched his heart and must have stuck with him. I bumped into him about two weeks later and he said I've been thinking about your story and I want to help. That led to the creation of the GoFundMe and donation tins being put around the staff rooms at the supermarket. So without them it wouldn't have been possible."
The family is hoping that the money raised means they will be able to go overseas in order to receive the specialist surgery and this has Mr Taylor hopeful for his little boy's future.
"We definitely will look back on this and tell Charlie when he is older how loved he is by the community and how his story has touched people he's never even met," Mr Taylor said.
To donate visit Charity for Charlie on the GoFundMe website.
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Nikita McGuire
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
