More than $27,000 was raised from the event, held at the Stuarts Point Workers and Recreation Bowls Club.

People from Kempsey, Macksville, Bowraville, Wauchope and the Stuarts Point-Eungai area flocked to the club to show their support for the 16-year-old, who was left a quadriplegic after a car accident in January.

Dylan’s parents Rod and Gai said the messages of love received from the entire Macleay community had been a source of great comfort for the family.

“It’s been a very difficult and trying time for Dylan these past eight months in Sydney,” Rod said.

“And it’s been a really hard time for his brother Drew and his sisters Bianca and Shayna and our whole family.

“Throughout Dylan’s ordeal, he has kept a wonderful positive attitude.

“He is always joking around, playing practical jokes and giving his nurses a hard time, but he still has his bad days and says he wouldn’t wish this upon anybody.”

Dylan’s grandmother Lyn said the support from all those who attended the event on Saturday last weekend, as well as those who have offered their services for the day, had been overwhelming.

“The moral and emotional support provided from the Men of League has been exceptional. They had regular visits to Dylan in hospital and have taken him out to football games, as well as contributing towards the fundraiser,” she said.

“The Charity Cranks bike riders raised over $1000 on their own. One bloke rode 125km and another family did over 100km.

“Troppo Bob was great and Alfy Argus was a massive hit with the youngsters. The three hairdressers we had were going flat out all day.”

Lyn said the weekend had been particularly special for Dylan surrounded by family and friends.

“Unfortunately he picked up an infection over the weekend, but he had a great time on the Saturday at Stuarts Point then again with his football mates at Macksville on Sunday,” she said.