It's hard to think of a tougher start to 2020.
On top of a global pandemic, nine-year-old Rian Fields was diagnosed in July with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, a rare condition which will see him lose the ability to walk and require a wheelchair.
Only recently, Rian played his last rugby game before becoming the official assistant coach.
But a GoFundMe set up by Rian's aunt, Clare McGettrick, has quickly raised more than $30,000 to support Rian and his family, who moved from Canberra to the Sunshine Coast four years ago.
Ms McGettrick said it had been very sudden but the family had been overwhelmed by the generosity people had shown.
"Some people who we haven't spoken to for years have come out and given their support and offered accommodation some strangers have reached out and offered a mobility scooter for Rian," Ms McGettrick said.
Rian's mum and dad, Danielle McGettrick and Michael Fields, have been left speechless by the support.
Clare McGettrick said they were both very humble people who thought they didn't deserve the money.
"Which is absolutely beautiful because they do," she said.
"I originally set it up because I thought it would be nice if they went on a family holiday together. But Mikey just wants some money to go towards Rian and supporting him in any way we can."
The GoFundMe page is here.
