Sparrow Early Learning’s sweet gesture for Ormeau tot Winnie Allabin

An Ormeau mum has been left stunned by the generosity of the Gold Coast community since her daughter’s shock diagnosis.

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AN Ormeau mum has been left stunned by the generosity of the Gold Coast community since her daughter’s shock diagnosis.

Lucy Allabin’s daughter Winnie, 2, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at four months old.

SMA is a group of hereditary diseases that progressively destroy nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord that control things like speaking, walking, breathing and swallowing.

Winnie Hyett with her mum Lucy Allabin (left) and Sparrow Early Learning second in charge Lauren Fountain. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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The Allabin family will need to buy a new car next year so it can be modified to accommodate Winnie’s wheelchair.

That’s where Winnie’s kindergarten, Sparrow Early Learning Jacobs Ridge, stepped in to help.

The centre has started collecting donations for a raffle later this year, with all money raised to go towards the Allabin family’s new car.

The kindergarten’s second in charge Lauren Fountain said the “bubbly, easygoing” Winnie had attended the centre since January.

“One of our fellow staff members came up with the idea for the raffle,” Ms Fountain said.

“It just snowballed from there. We want to raise as much money as we can for their new car.

“Winnie is a bubbly, easygoing little girl who loves to play with dolls and is very fussed over by the other children.

“She takes everything in her stride.”

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Ms Allabin said she was very grateful for the centre’s generosity.

“We’ve found it very surprising how many people have come together for us throughout the period of Winnie being diagnosed to now,” she said.

“It’s just one massive weight off our shoulders.

“We’re trying our hardest to save and get there on our own, but it’s fairly difficult.”

Any businesses that wish to donate to the raffle can email: [e-mail]