Maddie thankful for generous supporters

Published: 18 December 2011
By: Selina Venier

Generosity abounds: Maddie Holgate (centre) with retired Bishop of Townsville Ray Benjamin (seated) and members and friends of the Nagle House Rosary group in Manly parish, who have supported her fundraising Picture: Selina Venier

CHRISTMAS arrived early for Madison Holgate.

The 13-year-old, who has cerebal palsy and was featured in The Catholic Leader on October 2, said the Nagle House Rosary group and the Knights of the Southern Cross within Manly parish helped grant a Christmas wish after reading of her challenges.

In early December Presentation Sister Teresa Geraghty gave the Holgates more than $3300 raised within the parish to help with Maddie's mobility.

The funds will specifically be added to other money raised for a $15,000 lift for their two-storey Camp Hill home.

On December 7, retired Bishop of Townsville Ray Benjamin celebrated the Nagle House morning Mass and Maddie, her sister Briana, and parents Paul and Richelle were present.

They were invited to meet some of the parishioners who helped raise the funds.

Bishop Benjamin blessed Maddie at the end of the Mass.

The Holgates were overcome with gratitude during the gathering and Sr Geraghty encouraged them to "ask for help whenever they need it".

"Many of us have worked in aged care and we know how expensive things can be," she said to the larger group gathered.

"... You grow out of a wheelchair and a new one costs twice as much.

"I've made the Holgates promise that if they need something, they will let us know."

Maddie brought with her a handmade card, shared to the group by Sr Geraghty.

"We are so grateful for your support and generosity to make our lives easier," Maddie had written.

Paul and Richelle Holgate were thankful for the support.

"I never thought this (generosity) would have happened," Richelle said.

"We just want to say a big thank-you," Paul said.

"This lift will give Maddie more freedom."

Maddie had an operation on October 15 to help her achieve another "wish" - to walk.

Her recovery has been "steady", Richelle said, with daily physiotherapy since she's been strong enough and hydrotherapy sessions about to begin.

The Holgates, who have family interstate, are looking forward to "Christmas with just the four of them", Richelle said, with Briana charged with decorating their home.

"On December 1, she was up at 9am, already putting up the lights," Paul said.

"No I wasn't, it was more like the afternoon," Briana said.

In any case, Maddie's set for a memorable Christmas and a bright new year thanks to her loving family and the support of those who were strangers but have now become life-long friends.