Busselton Lion's Club help family in need

Little Bentley has not had an easy three years, being diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis at birth.

It is a rare condition which causes tumors to grow on his brain, heart, kidneys and behind his eyes. 

As a result he suffers from seizures and may need glasses in the future. 

Bentley and his family are heading to Melbourne Royal Children’s hospital on July 9,

where he will have brain surgery to help reduce his seizures. 

Family friend, Nikitta Taylor was able to use the power of social media to organised the fundraiser to help the family with the costs of the surgery and flights. 

Community members from across the South West came together and set up stalls and donated funds and raffle gifts for the event.  

The event was a huge success, with over $800 raised from the community.

When the Busselton Lion’s club heard about Bentley’s struggle,

they banded together and raised an amazing $5,000 to help the family out during this difficult time. 

Lion's club member Beth Caunt presented the cheque to Bentley and his mother Analeise Hatton.

Mrs Hatton was amazed at the community’s generosity. 

“We had a fantastic time, it was very overwhelming,” Mrs Hatton said.

“We cannot thank the community and the Lions Club enough for their generosity, it is going to make a huge difference.”

Event organiser Ms Taylor was amazed with the turn out.

“A huge thank you to the Busselton Lions club for their massive $5000 donation, we can not thank you guys enough,” Ms Taylor said.

“Pretty sure everyone had a tear in their eye."

Mrs Hatton said the last few months have been extremely stressful but was overwhelmed by all the community support she has seen over the last few weeks. 

“It honestly feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” Mrs Hatton said.

Anyone who would like to help can search for Bentley's Fundraiser For Brain Surgery page on Facebook.