Target eclipsed for Isla's cause

Hugs and tears marked the end of a 200km journey that was held in the memory of little Isla Collins, who died eight months ago.

Held during October and November, Isla’s parents Kristian and Gemma Collins had put together numerous fund raising activities, including the culminating event — a 200km row on Bunbury’s Back Beach called Row for Isla.

Initially not expecting to meet the $10,000 mark, their total fund raising tally eclipsed their expectations to raise $25,000 which was all donated to Telethon.

The presentation was made on Friday and accepted by a very thankful Chrissie Maus from Telethon.

Mr Collins said the row finished ahead of schedule on November 14 with family members fishing the last leg of the 200km row.

As the boatload of rowers came into the Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club, they performed an emotional tribute to baby Isla.

Surf club members paddled out on rescue boards to meet the boat, forming a circle around the rowers.

The rowers then raised their oars in a boaties salute before balloons were released in Isla’s memory.

Mr Collins thanked everyone who came and supported the fund raising events.

‘‘We underestimated the support of people and how kind everyone was,’’ he said.

The idea to fund raise for Telethon came after Isla was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital with balamuthia mandrillaris.