Staff fundraise for sick colleague

Whakatāne staff are rallying to support a mate and colleague who is fighting leukaemia.

Constable William Searle is in Waikato hospital undergoing chemotherapy. He and his family face a range of costs associated with his illness.

In order to help Willy meet these costs, Sergeant Ray Wylie says the Whakatāne Police social club organised a trivia quiz in early April.

“Thirty-four teams made up of community organisations and Police took part in the quiz, with a number of businesses and community groups providing prizes for the evening.

“A good night was had by all,” says Ray.

A total of $4569 was raised during the evening and later presented to Willy’s wife on 7 April – another fundraising night where many supporters went the extra mile to have their heads shaved.

Some 23 staff and their families were involved in the ‘crop a cop’ fundraiser for Willy.

“This was run in conjunction with the national Leukaemia and Blood Foundation campaign ‘shave for a cure’,” says Ray.

A further $7846 was raised on the night, and all proceeds raised locally will be presented to Willy’s family.