The Newcastle Knights' NSW Cup side recently visited the Starlight Room at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital as part of the NSWRL's Starlight Wishleague Round.
Matt Lantry's men spent time with a number of children battling serious health problems, with the above video courtesy of the Newcastle Knights website.
Since its establishment in 1988, Starlight has granted nearly 9,000 Wishes. Every Starlight Wish is unique, with children and adolescents choosing Starlight Wish experiences that are special to them.
Starlight Wishes support kids and teens with a range of illnesses and injuries. In the past three years, Starlight has seen a 75 per cent increase in the number of Wish referrals from health professionals in children’s hospitals around Australia.
NSWRL CEO David Trodden said the Starlight Wishleague rounds presented a wonderful opportunity for the rugby league family to support and assist those in need.
“The Starlight Children’s Foundation is a brilliant organisation and we’re delighted, through NSWRL’s competitions and the NSWRL Wishleague rounds, to support this great cause,” Trodden said.
“Last year we helped raise more than $24,000 to grant the wishes of five seriously ill children and their families and we’re hoping to replicate that, through the generous support of our rugby league family, once again this year.”
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley will present a signed 2015 Origin jersey to the club that raises the most money at the completion of the fundraising effort.
To support Starlight, people are encouraged to make a donation during the NSWRL Wishleague periods either at NSWRL fixtures or via www.wishleague.com.au. Use the #Wishleague hashtag to show your support via social media.
For more information on Starlight, visit www.starlight.org.au or call 1300 727 827.
