The Catlins community is rallying around an Owaka youngster and his family to raise money for a much-needed insulin pump.
Hadley Gutsell (3) has type one diabetes, an auto-immune condition in which the body attacks the cells that produce insulin.
Hadley's mother Aleisha Mills said he was diagnosed with diabetes about a year ago, and had to be monitored regularly throughout the day.
The family has since decided an insulin pump would be best for Hadley.
"It will give him more freedom to enjoy being a three-and-a-half-year-old," Miss Mills said.
"It will also give us better control over his blood sugar.
"At the moment he can't really go to his friends' places and play.
"The pump will be a lot easier and and a lot less painful."
The community decided to help raise funds for the insulin pump, which will cost about $5500 and $200 per month to run.
Hadley will be connected to the pump 24 hours a day, as it delivers a steady amount of insulin, much like a normal pancreas.
Miss Mills said type one diabetes came with other problems, including poor eyesight and kidney problems.
She said the family had received fantastic support from the community, and would start Hadley on a pump trial on September 12.
The trial will involve meetings with the pump's supplier at Dunedin Hospital, training for Hadley's parents about how the pump operates and testing how it works with Hadley.
A "Ladies' Day Out" is being held at River Ridge Retreat, near, Owaka today to raise money to buy the pump.
Organiser Lisa Hastie said her daughter Shelby (3) attended playcentre with Hadley, and she wanted to help any way she could.
"I would want someone to do the same for me, if I was in this situation.
"The pump will give him so much more freedom."
Ladies' Day Out will feature artists, stalls, food and music. Clothes by New Zealand designer Annah Stretton will also be sold at the event. Fashion shows start at 2pm.
Entry is $10, and all proceeds go towards buying the insulin pump.
The Ladies' Day Out is at River Ridge Retreat, Catlins Valley Rd, today from 11am-4pm.
