Two fundraisers were held for Caleb, who has just finished over nine months of aggressive chemotherapy.

His mother Suzanne Turpie said they were able to make appearances at the two events, a swim-a-thon and activities at Settlement City McDonalds.

“Caleb was really excited by it all, overwhelmed at how many people attended both fundraisers,” she said.

The swim-a-thon was held at Port Macquarie pool and drew more than 40 swimmers on the day.

Organiser Andrew Vatovec said they passed 66 kilometres, double the channel distance of Catalina.

“Myself and Tanya Hill are competing in the Catalina channel swim so we thought this would be a good opportunity to practise and raise money to help Caleb and his family. We were extremely happy with the day.

“The air was full of good vibes and community spirit. We’re still counting but have raised more than $1000.”

Suzanne said Andrew jumped in the pool and decided to swim 10 kilometres for the fundraiser.

“It was so touching to see that.

“It wasn’t a super hot day so people really did come and swim just to support Caleb and the feeling that brings is indescribable,” she said.

Event planner for the McDonalds fundraiser, Kelly Biddle of Scaramouche, said she met Suzanne  at the Ronald McDonald House in Randwick three months ago.

“My daughter has an ongoing medical condition as well. I was so touched by Suzanne and Caleb’s story,” she said.

“Through my business and connections I wanted to help raise some much needed funds for them.”

Some activities on the day included face painting, balloons, sculpting, live music, party characters and glitter tattoos.

Ms Biddle said in four hours they were able to raise more than $2000 for Caleb.

“We only had about two weeks to promote the day and we had significant support. All the activities asked for a gold coin donation and through that we were able to raise funds,” she said.

Suzanne said both Kelly and Andrew contacted her to organise the fundraisers.

“We didn’t ask for them to do it, they just decided they wanted to and it’s overwhelming the support we have received from complete strangers.

“It hasn’t been an easy road but with the community’s support we’ve been able to stay afloat,” she said.

The funds raised will go towards their travels to and from Sydney, Caleb’s ever-so-changing appetite and to support for their every day living. 

“Some things that Caleb may like to eat one day, he won’t like the next so it’s been tough trying to foot the food bill.

Caleb will undergo further tests at the end of August.