Marley’s Starlight Wish granted

GROVEDALE’S Marley Reddington has had his long-awaited Starlight Wish granted.

The five-year-old has been diagnosed with multiple complications from extreme prematurity (24 weeks), including chronic lung disease, and asked the Starlight Foundation for a new cubby house where he could play safely outside.

Having first asked for a Travel Wish where the Reddington family could drive to a holiday destination (as Marley needs oxygen support), COVID border restrictions resulted in Marley choosing a cubby house Wish instead, where he could host his family, friends and carers without the health risks of a park and enjoy his hobby of rock collecting.

The unveiling of the cubbyhouse earlier this month was a complete surprise for Marley, as the Starlight worked on a sneaky install in the background while Marley was out at appointments.

For the reveal, Marley was greeted with Captain Starlight, confetti and cupcakes as he walked down a red carpet.

The cubby itself is something to behold, complete with well-stocked kitchen, seating area, Avengers pillows and a barista machine.

“With Marley requiring oxygen, it makes it really hard to get to parks,” Marley’s mum Kellie and dad Steve said.

“His new cubby house has given him a little place of his own to take ownership of and experience playing outside safely just like his peers.

“We don’t know what the future holds for Marley, so we need to make the most of every opportunity and enjoy these special times.

“Starlight’s Wish program really makes a difference to the lives of sick kids like Marley who haven’t had the greatest start in life and perhaps don’t get to enjoy the same freedoms we experienced with our own upbringing.”

Marly’s Wish was the first since the Starlight Foundation began its annual Christmas Appeal.

The foundation is seeking to raise $1.7 million to grant more than 266 life-changing Starlight Wishes to sick children this Christmas.

Like Marley, some travel wishes have been postponed during the past 18 months and Starlight has seen an increase in requests for “wishes at home”, including bedroom makeovers, gaming consoles and playrooms.

Starlight has also delivered more puppy companions than ever before

“The last two years have given us all personal experience of uncertainty, social isolation and a life disrupted,” Starlight Foundation chief executive officer Louise Baxter said.

“For children and families facing serious illness, they face these challenges every day.

“During this special time of year, there are no less sick kids. In fact, there are more than 1,000 sick kids currently waiting for their Starlight Wish – the highest number ever.

“The need to bring positive distraction and happiness has never been more important.”

For more information or to donate, head to starlight.org.au/Christmas.