You hit bullseye with your heart, Mumbai!

Rutvi Lolge, 15, with some of the many medals she has won in archery across the last two years. Pic/Nimesh Dave

Teenaged wheelchair-bound archer Rutvi Lolge's story, which appeared in mid-day on November 20, has touched hearts across the city. Many readers have sent funds online to the girl's mother Suvarna, a single parent, who works as a freelance nurse.

mid-day had highlighted how state-level medal-winner Rutvi, 15, a student of St Anne's High School, Malad, is in need of funds to upgrade her wooden bow to a more sophisticated Advance Compound Bow which costs Rs 4-5 lakh. Suffering from a congenital condition, Spina Bifida, Rutvi is paralysed waist-downwards, but that has not deterred her from hitting bullseye at zonal, district and state-level competitions. She also needs to buy a new wheelchair as the one she is currently using is not suitable for professional archery.

Brigadier Deepak Puri with Rutvi Lolge during the felicitation of Wheels of Valour, a group of Indian army bikers, at St Anne's High School, Malad, last month. Pic/Special Arrangement; (right) Bhushan Patil, MCA Apex Council member

On Friday, the St Anne's High School's Batch of 1985, led by ex-student Brigadier Deepak Puri pledged financial aid to the tune of Rs 50,000 for Rutvi. "The nation is inspired by the defence forces, but the defence forces are inspired by gifted children like Rutvi. This contribution is a humble start by the St Anne's High School Batch of 85. We hope that others in the neighbourhood or a trust of a corporate entity, who could get tax incentives in exchange, will also come ahead to help carry India's sporting dream forward," Brigadier Puri told mid-day.

Mumbai Cricket Association Apex Council member Bhushan Patil has also come forward to help Rutvi, promising a cheque of Rs 50,000. "A sporting prodigy's journey can be tough and lonely with lots of sacrifices and perseverance through challenges of health and financial support. I'm glad to help Rutvi in whatever little way possible," said Patil, who is also the President of Amar Cricketers, a MCA-affiliated club.

Rutvi's mum Suvarna was overwhelmed. "Rutvi deserves all the encouragement she can get. I'm extremely grateful to all those who have come forward to support us," she said.