Help sick kids this February simply by swimming laps

Starlight Children’s Foundation is encouraging Australians around the country to dive in and make a splash for sick kids for its fourth annual Super Swim challenge. The swim challenge aims to raise $3 million to help deliver happiness to more than 76,000 sick kids.

It is being swum from February 1 to February 28. All participants are welcome, regardless of age and fitness level. By completing a swim at a location of their choice – backyard pool, aquatic centre, or even a beach or lake – they will raise funds to support Starlight’s vital in-hospital services including Captain Starlight and Starlight Express Rooms nationally.

Supported by former professional athletes and proud Super Swim Ambassadors Mick Fanning OAM, Brooke Hanson OAM, Libby Trickett OAM and Kieren Perkins OAM, the initiative encourages all Australians to get active for a good cause.

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

“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 does makes a difference – I’ve witnessed it first-hand. So, this February I encourage you to grab your Speedos and join me for this year’s Super Swim. Together we can make a difference for sick kids and their families.”

Also supporting Super Swim are Australian Olympians and professional athletes including Zoe Stubblety-Cook, Melissa Hauschildt and Lani Pallister.

Every minute of every day, a child is admitted to hospital in Australia. What comes next for thousands of children is a lifechanging diagnosis – many facing months on end of treatment and hospital stays. Starlight CEO Louise Baxter says that Starlight has been there for many sick children throughout the challenges of the past two years.

“Only with the help of the community can we continue to be there for sick kids when they need it most,” she says. “Every dollar spent on our vital services must first be raised by the generosity of the community. As little as $39 will give a sick child access to our vital hospital services.”

About Starlight Children's Foundation

Starlight Children's Foundation brightens the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and young people by replacing pain, fear and stress with fun, joy and laughter. Since its establishment in 1988, Starlight has expanded to become the broadest reaching and reputable children's charity in Australia and was awarded the AFR’s Most Innovative Company (Government, Education and NFP Sector) in 2020. There is now a Starlight Express Room in nine children's hospitals across Australia and more than 760 Captain Starlight’s nationwide. In 2020, Starlight granted over 386,944 positive Starlight experiences for children, teenagers and their families, including 726,000 Fun with Captain Starlight experiences and 326 Starlight Wishes.

IMAGE: Zac Stubblety-Cook, Mick Fanning, Brooke Hanson - Starlight Super Swim Ambassadors