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KRISTY Thomson's stepfather says the level of support from the Bendigo community has been staggering.
Geoff Dudley said his stepdaughter Kristy and their family have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who have pledged assistance through fundraisers and private donations.
He said Kristy was close to getting out of hospital and into the Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre.
But he said she faced months of intensive rehabilitation.
"She's battling on. She's staying positive," he said.
"She's been getting about in a wheelchair. The way she's going things are looking up for her."
Ms Thomson suffered serious spinal injuries when a tree fell on her in Rosalind Park on December 30 last year. The branch fell on her four-year-old daughter Patiya May, who died.
Mr Dudley said Kristy couldn't believe the amount of public support since the tragedy.
"She's so appreciative and just overwhelmed by it all," he said.
"It's hard to put into words. I can't even keep up with the amount of fundraisers that are going on."
Mr Dudley paid tribute to Grill'd Bendigo owner Richard Nash, who donated all proceeds from the burger shop on Saturday toward the Kristy Thomson appeal.
Mr Dudley, and others from the Kristy Thomson appeal committee, presented Mr Nash with a signed jersey from North Melbourne Football Club - who Mr Nash barracks for.
"Rich is a legend," Mr Dudley said.
"He's done an extraordinary job. Everyone in Bendigo has been unbelievable. Why would you want to live anywhere else when people here show so much generosity?"
All money raised from the appeal will go towards covering costs associated with Kristy's treatment of her injuries, rehabilitation and ongoing care.
Kristy Thomson Appeal fundraising committee chairman Michael McKern thanked the team at Grill'd Bendigo for their hard work at the weekend.
"The community response was outstanding," he said.
"They were very, very busy at Grill'd and the staff were amazing."