An Invercargill woman has launched a campaign to raise funds for the ill daughter of Southland motorcycle legend Burt Munro.

Yesterday, Jocelyn Miller approached Southland businesses hoping to persuade them to donate.

Her first stop was Neville Hayes, of E Hayes and Sons, who said he would pledge $500.

"I said I would donate because one way or the other it would help the family," he said.

Mrs Miller said she felt compelled to do something to support the Munro family after reading a Southland Times article about them planning to auction off Burt's memorabilia in Auckland on Sunday to raise funds for a mobility chair for his daughter, Gwen Henderson.

The auction proceeds were not expected to cover the cost of the mobility chair, so Mrs Miller said her plan was to get Southland businesses to donate money.

The money would be used to bid on the Burt memorabilia at the auction. But if their bids were unsuccessful the money would be given to the Munro family.

"It's not about the items, it's about helping a family whose father's name does so much for Southland," she said. Mrs Miller said she was passionate about supporting the Munro family and was saddened they had to sell off their memorabilia.

"This seems totally wrong when I think of the money the local community makes from the Burt Munro name and The Fastest Indian story.

"I would love to make a donation and challenge others and local businesses to step up and help this family keep their treasured family history," she said.

If you would like to help, contact Jocelyn Miller on 021 066 5408 or jasonjos@ispnz.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News