Car-mad LJ’s special birthday
LJ Toala takes the driver’s seat of a Corvette during a special birthday convoy on Saturday. Photo: William Woodworth.
A mum’s community callout to make her son’s third birthday party special saw Blenheim’s Mary Street become a showcase of many of Marlborough’s coolest vehicles on Saturday.
Catherine Mafi’s post on Facebook asking for the community to celebrate LJ’s birthday, her car-fanatic, non-verbal son who is on the autism spectrum, prompted many Marlburians to fire up their most treasured wheels and drive across town to ensure LJ had a happy birthday.
“It’s honestly amazing, we are so very grateful for the turnout from everyone today”, said Catherine, as cars of all shapes and sizes continued to roar past.
“I was just expecting it to flop, or just one or two cars come along, but the community love has been absolutely heartwarming with all sorts of people tagging one another to come down.
“LJ just loves cars and car racing and has been in his little racing suit just astounded and waving the whole time.”
As well as being amazed by the stream of vehicles going past, LJ got behind the wheel of Steve Reed’s Corvette.
Catherine and husband Lance Toala thanked everyone who took the time out of their Saturday to provide a special thrill for their boy and invited many in to share his birthday cake.
“You all really made LJ’s birthday special, and we’re really feeling the love”, added Catherine.