Max McIntyre, then nine months old, was left blind and with severe brain damage after contracting the disease suddenly about 15 months ago.

Max’s parents Rob and Amy are trying to raise at least $100,000 to fund stem cell treatment that may restore his vision.

Paul was with Rob when he got the terrible news about Max, and he used the 12-month anniversary of the tragedy as the focus of his fundraising campaign.

“We have managed to raise more than $10,000,” he said.

“I am so proud of the generosity of Bathurst – the city really got behind the effort even though the family is from Dubbo. Parochial concerns were never raised – the people of Bathurst just opened up their hearts.”

Paul did not cut his hair during the 12 months and had a charity shave-off sponsored by Bathurst Barbers in early March as a key part of the fundraising, but there were other activities such as endurance running challenges and the distribution of donation tins at cafes Elie’s, Crema and Al Dente where customers, proprietors and staff showed their generosity.

“I don’t want to name individuals for fear of missing someone, but one friend and local businessman went way beyond expectations to encourage his suppliers and customers to donate to Max,” Paul said.

“He knows who he is. I will never forget his generous spirit.”

Paul also acknowledges Windscreen O’Brien, the local running and triathlon communities as well as hundreds of ordinary people who contributed to the cause.

One of the novel ways the McIntyre family is raising money is by selling yellow footprint stickers (Max’s favourite colour before he lost his sight) which supporters put on bumpers, windows and even at some exotic locations such as the Grand Canyon, the White House and Big Ben in London.

To see where else Max has left his mark around the world or to make a donation, go to the Facebook page Yellow for Max.