April-Lee Gillen: More than $3000 Raised for Lake Heights Hit-and-Run Teen
A Berkeley bakery has raised more than $3000 for April-lee Gillen, the teenager who was struck in a hit-and-run incident in Lake Heights in April.
Berkeley Cakes and Pies sold pink-frosted cupcakes on Wednesday and Thursday, with money from each treat going towards the 17-year-old and her family.
There was also a donation box for customers to contribute what they could.
April-lee was found lying unconscious on Northcliffe Drive in the early hours of April 20, and has been in hospital since. Police are yet to find the person responsible.
Lisa Jackson, who has owned the store for seven years with her husband Alan, said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from the community, with customers flooding the shop over the two days to buy the cupcakes.
"I had one man come in at 5.30 on Wednesday morning and he handed me $100 and just wanted one cupcake," she said.
"The kids were coming in, buying a couple of cupcakes and putting in $10."
"It's just so sad a young girl has had to go through this. If we can make her life a little bit easier, you just feel better than you're doing something."
A charity fund has also been established for the Gillen family, aiming to raise at least $7000 so her mother can stay with April-lee while she recovers in Liverpool Hospital's Brain Rehabilitation Unit.
To donate, head to mycause.