mmg.com.au

About $32,000 was raised for Lockington’s Kirsty Chugg at an auction night at the Border Inn Hotel on December 2.

Kirsty Chugg Rehabilitation Committee member Vicki O’Connor said the fundraiser attracted a huge crowd, with 22 auction items and 38 silent auction items all sold for well above what they anticipated.

‘‘The signed and framed Hawthorn footy jumper went for $1100, the One Direction pack went for $260 and the rear bumper off the Bathurst car, signed by Todd and Rick Kelly, went for $640,’’ Vicki said.

The committee also sold 30 lucky tickets, while Soul Play, which provided entertainment on the night, donated a gig to auction off.

‘‘We have still some money to come in from the auction, but at this stage, it’s over $23,000. We also had $10,000 from the raffle and direct donations, so we’re looking at handing over, after all expenses paid, around $32,000,"  Vicki said.

‘‘We are so happy with the outcome and so relieved that all our hard work paid off.

‘‘I would like to thank all the hard-working members of the committee for their months of hard work and dedication.’’

Vicki also thanked auctioneer Troy O’Brien and MC Andrew Lochhead.

Kirsty’s husband Rohan also wanted to thank the organising committee, sponsors and the community for all their support and well wishes over the past six months.

‘‘Kirsty would be extremely touched that people care so much,’’ he said.

‘‘It is very touching and that’s what gives me strength.’’

Rohan said the family would celebrate Christmas with Kirsty in Melbourne.

Kirsty is in the brain injury ward of the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre in Melbourne, after being struck down with auto-immune limbic encephalitis in May, leaving her incapacitated.

Her son, Lachlan, was born eight weeks’ premature so Kirsty could continue treatment for the rare illness.