Making waves for sick kids

SWIMMERS across the region are preparing to hit their local beaches and lap pools next month to raise funds for the 130,000 seriously ill children who each year access the hospital programs run by the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Since the not-for-profit organisation was established in Australia in 1988, Starlight has used creative play and social connection to bring joy and laugher to sick kids and their families during their time of greatest need.

To support this work, the children’s charity will next month host its seventh annual Super Swim challenge with the aim of raising $5 million, which will be put towards its various support programs.

These programs include Captain Starlight, a crew of professional performers whose superpower is bringing fun to children in hospital and helping them feel more positive about treatment, and Starlight Express Rooms, designated medical-free zones located in major children’s hospitals across the country that are filled with games and activities to provide those struggling with a respite.

Everyone, no matter their age or fitness level, is encouraged to participate in this year’s Super Swim, which will be held between February 1-28.

All swimmers can complete the challenge at locations of their choosing, whether it be a home pool, the beach, a lake or a local swim centre, at times that are convenient to them.

Participates can also opt to tackle the charity swim challenge as either an individual or as a team and can decide their own goal distance.

Starlight national partnerships manager Matt Geraghty encouraged the community to throw their support behind the event and emphasised the importance of bringing much-needed happiness to sick kids when they need it most, with children admitted to hospitals around Australia at a rate of one per minute.

“Dive in with us this February,” he said.

“Everyone should be able to experience a happy childhood, but for children diagnosed with a serious illness, happiness can be seriously impacted when they are facing the uncertainty of their diagnosis.

“By taking part in the Super Swim challenge you will be helping Starlight turn their pain, stress and fear of hospitalisation into fun, joy and laughter.”

Among those slated to participate in the charity swim this year are an all-star line-up of Australian champions, including Paralympic swimmers Col Pearse and Chloe Osborn, Olympic gold-winning swimmer Zac Stubblety-Cook and three-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning.

Former Australian swimmer, Olympic gold medallist and Starlight ambassador Brooke Hanson will also be joining this year’s Super Swim challenge.

She has witnessed first-hand the direct impact the funds raised throughout the challenge have on seriously ill children in hospital.

“Starlight has a special place in my heart as it’s supported my family during some extremely tough days in hospital,” Ms Hanson said.

“Whether it’s just a hand on your shoulder to say ‘It’s okay’, or having a cup of tea in the Starlight Express Room, it really makes a difference.

“So, in February, I encourage all Australians to join me for the 2025 Super Swim challenge. Together, we can make a difference for sick kids and their families.”

To register for the Starlight Super Swim, or to donate to a participant, head to superswim.org.au