Get Behind Maz: Helping a Young MX Champion Fight Back

$30,782 donated

Given by 281 generous donors since yesterday

Helping motocross talent Maz Parkes and his family after a severe spinal injury, supporting his road to recovery and his professional dream.

Nationwide

On Sunday, June 21st, 16-year-old motocross talent Maz Parkes suffered a severe crash in Taupo, resulting in major spinal trauma. Maz underwent emergency surgery at Middlemore Hospital to repair a fracture, remove bone fragments, and clear a hematoma. While his spinal cord looks healthy, he faces a long road ahead, including extensive rehabilitation at the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit (ASRU).

Motocross is Maz’s life and future career. To date, his accolades include #1 NZ 13-16 age group 85cc, #1 NZ 14-16 age group 250cc Woodville GP, and 3rd MX2 Woodville GP. Next month, he was heading over to ride for Kawasaki Australia in the Aussie Pro Motocross Series. His dedication is beyond inspiring for a 16-year-old. He has the heart of a champion, and he needs our love and prayers to get back on his feet.

Right now, his family-parents Dee and Rani, sister Millie, and brother Paddy-are completely focused on his recovery. Anyone who knows Dee and Rani knows they are the first to show up for others. They would do absolutely anything for anyone, constantly giving their time and love to friends and community. They never ask for help themselves, but now it’s our turn to give back when they need it most.

As they navigate months in Auckland away from home, let’s wrap this beautiful family in support and ensure financial stress is the last thing on their minds. Let’s get behind Maz and carry him through this journey with everything we've got.

Luci Firth's involvement (page creator)

I am a lifelong family friend of Dee and Rani, having gone to primary school with Dee, and I have had the privilege of watching Maz grow up over the last 16 years.

Use of funds

To cover travel and accommodation costs to stay by Maz's bedside in Auckland, assist with lost income while Dee and Rani take time off work for his daily care, and help with any unfunded medical or rehabilitation costs that may arise. Once the medical and/or rehabilitation costs have been confirmed, a page update will be posted.

On average, fundraisers pay just 2% to use Givealittle. This is one of the lowest effective fees in New Zealand fundraising. We charge a 5% platform fee to cover the cost of running the platform. Because most donors choose to top up their donation to cover this fee, the effective cost paid by fundraisers is about 2%. That means around 98 cents of every dollar raised goes to the cause. Learn More