Townsville family launch super duper merchandise line to support those with Dup15q

A big brother who is committed to supporting his younger brother has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for those living with a rare genetic disease.

A BIG brother committed to supporting his younger brother has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for those living with a rare genetic disease.

William Dray, 10, created the Facebook community Superheroes for Super Dupers in 2019 after ­coming up with the idea to sell character sketches for his brother Henry, 7.

Henry was diagnosed with the genetic condition Dup15q two years ago, which is a duplication of ­material on the 15th chromosome. It has left him non-verbal, with a significant ­intellectual impairment, refractory seizures and poor mobility.

Henry Dray 7, battles with the rare disease Dup15q. His brother William Dray 10 (pictured) draws superheroes for those who donate. Picture: Alix Sweeney

William said the money raised from his drawings was donated to Dup15q Australia Ltd.

“I feel really good about it because it is raising awareness for Dup15q and for people to become part of the super dupers community,” William said.

“There are not many people like Henry in Australia so at least we can still support them.”

The Kirwan family launched their Superheroes for Super Dupers ­online store last week.

Mum Lindsay Dray said the range of items was inspired by William’s Superheroes for Super Dupers logo design.

Henry Dray 7, battles with the rare disease Dup15q. Pictured with brother William Dray 10 and their designed t-shirts for 'Superheroes for Super Dupers' . Picture: Alix Sweeney

“A lot of people who had seen the boys in their shirts were requesting the shirts,” she said.

“We have T-shirts similar to what the boys wear and we also have tote bags, stubbie coolers and mugs with the same symbol and logo.”

Ms Dray said 100 per cent of profits from the merchandise would be donated to Dup15q Australia Ltd.

William Dray, 10, draws special request character sketches to raise money for Dup15q Australia Ltd.

William Dray, 10, draws special request character sketches to raise money for Dup15q Australia Ltd.

Originally published as Townsville family launch super duper merchandise line to support those with Dup15q