A fundraising drive to help a seriously ill schoolboy get treatment in Britain has beaten its original $5,000 target.

Masante Maryam launched a GoFundMe page two weeks ago for her son Shadoni Place, 6, whose rare condition — idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura — causes a low level of platelets in the blood, which are vital for clotting and can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding.

Shadoni also has mercury and arsenic poisoning and his symptoms range from severe vomiting and diarrhoea, headaches and high fevers to organ function problems.

Ms Maryam said: “I am so grateful and humbled and blessed. Bermuda has shown its community spirit and how we rally together in times of need.

“I saw that one person had donated $1,000 and another donated $2,000 and I am beside myself with gratitude to them and everyone who has donated.”

After The Royal Gazette ran a story yesterday and Ms Maryam gave a radio interview on Vibe 103FM, donations have reached $8,345 — $3,345 more than the initial GoFundMe target.

The GoFundMe cash and an extra $5,000 Ms Maryam wants to raise from separate fundraising events will go towards initial travel and accommodation costs but it is anticipated that more money will be needed to finance the trip.

Ms Maryam did not want to put a firm target on the GoFundMe page because she is still unsure how much her son’s tests and treatments will cost.

She is also not sure whether all the treatment will be covered by the National Health Service or how long the family will need to remain in Britain.

Doctors have estimated that Shadoni might have to undergo intensive treatment for between six months and two years.

Ms Maryam is in contact with several doctors in Bermuda and Britain to try and get a firmer idea of how much the total cost might be and is researching travel and accommodation costs.

A fun day fundraiser for Shadoni will be held at Somersfield Academy on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

Ms Maryam has organised play castles, face painting, archery, mini-golf, laser tag and raffles and all the proceeds will go towards Shadoni’s expenses.

Ms Maryam can be contacted on 704-9371. Donations can be made at Shadoni Place Medical Fees GoFundMe page. To view the fundraising certificate, click on the PDF under “Related Media”