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Supporting the Rakei Family

$37,738 donated

Given by 404 generous donors in around 3 months

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Supporting the Rakei family

Taupo, Waikato

Many in our Taupō community will know Kaydon and Jasmin – they are the kind of people who are always there to help others. Right now, they are facing every parent’s worst nightmare.

On Saturday afternoon their son, Ashton, was involved in a serious car accident and is now in a critical condition at Waikato Hospital. The road ahead for Ashton, and his family, will be a long one.

As friends and a community, we have the opportunity to rally around this incredible family – Kaydon, Jasmin, Bayley, Ella, and Milly – and ease some of the financial pressures that inevitably come with a situation like this. While they would never ask for help themselves, your support will allow them to focus fully on Ashton and his recovery.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. We ask that you please keep Ashton and his whānau in your thoughts and prayers, and send positive, healing energy their way.

Let’s come together as a community to wrap this family in aroha during their toughest time.

Chanelle Knight's involvement (page creator)

One of many friends wanting to support a family who we know would be the first to do the same for us if the roles were reversed.

Use of funds

Funds raised will help with travel, accommodation, and other unexpected expenses while Ashton is in hospital and on his recovery journey. Your support eases the financial burden so the family can focus on being with him.

Latest update

Thank you, thank you, thank you! 11 November 2025

We would like to give a very big thank you to everyone who donated to us via this page.

We were blown away by the support - some of you strangers and friends of friends.

After a traumatic couple of months, and an initial dire prognosis, Ashton was able to come home. Aj spent a month at ABI Rehabilitation and he will continue to rehab at home for the next 6 months. He is our miracle child. To see him on the street you wouldn't know what he has been through or that he has a brain injury. He is physically perfect. Cognitively he has a bit of healing and rebuilding to do.

Any remaining funds will be used for ongoing rehabilitation for Ashton.

We count our blessings everyday, those boys all had some special people looking out for them. We are grateful for all your thoughts, prayers and love, to be surrounded by all that positive energy really does make a difference.

We are so happy we have our boy home and just in time for Christmas 🥰. We hope everyone has an amazing holiday season and remember to tell your people you love them like it's going out of fashion.

Jaz & Kaydon x

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