1733 days ago

Father has 'no regret' over helping brothers, despite spine injury that will cost $85k to fix

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Kia ora neighbours. Reece Leitch just wants to play with his young daughters, but a back injury – that will cost around $85,000 to fix – has left him unable to be as involved in their playtime as he once was.

The 27-year-old, from Hillcrest first started having back problems at 10 years old, when he started helping to care for his older brothers, Ryan and Blake, who have muscular dystrophy.

As the only able-bodied man in his family, Leitch would do a lot of the physically demanding tasks, including lifting his brothers in and out of their wheelchairs, beds and the bathroom.

“There’s no doubt, or regret, that looking after my brothers from a young age had an effect on the health of my spine,” he said.

After suffering two slipped discs last year, Leitch is now reliant on medication for his “constant pain”.

Leitch needs disc replacement surgery, but ACC will no longer fund his treatment.

He’s now taking his bid for treatment overseas and hopes a purpose-built spine clinic in Germany will be able to fix his back and get him playing with his daughters and playing sports again.

Click 'read more' for our full story.
If you'd like to make a donation towards Leitch's surgery, you can do so here: givealittle.co.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
4 hours ago

Emma’s wedding dress reveal tells a different love story

William Sanders Retirement Village

A Valentine’s-inspired wedding dress show at Ryman Healthcare’s Logan Campbell Village is providing the perfect opportunity for residents to share memories of their romantic day.

But for Emma Muller, it has also turned into an opportunity to celebrate her late daughter Nicola, who died 19 years ago at the age of 37.

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7 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.3% Complete
  • 26.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26.4% Complete
  • 14.3% ... It is complicated
    14.3% Complete
1174 votes
20 hours ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?

(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

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