A five-year-old Grovedale boy had his wish granted recently, with the Starlight Children’s Foundation building him his own cubby house to enjoy.
Marley was born prematurely at just 24 weeks which has led to multiple complications including chronic lung disease and issues with his immune system.
He was recommended to the Starlight Children’s Foundation by his medical team, and last month his wish for a cubby house was granted.
Marley’s mum Kellie Reddington said it was a special feeling to see the smile on her son’s face.
“He was shocked [when he saw the cubby house], but when I saw that smile it gave me a warm feeling,” she said.
“Seeing that smile wipes away anything else you’re feeling … it’s special.”
Kellie said Marley was a “very happy and cheerful” boy who enjoyed building forts at home.
“He doesn’t let his illnesses hold him back … he always pushed through because he doesn’t know anything different,” she said.
“But because of his immune system, something like a common cold can send him to the ICU.
“It makes it hard for him to go out and especially over the last year or two, we’ve had to stay home and be safe.
“He loves to build forts at home with his brother [Judson], and so that’s where this cubby house came from.
“He originally wanted to go on a holiday, but with the situation at the moment, we decided a cubby house would be a good idea.
“It gives him a place to play with his friends and importantly it just lets him be like any other kid for a while, which is so important.”
Kellie said after being put in touch with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the family worked with the organisation to design the cubby house, before it was installed covertly.
“We sent him to kinder one day and they came around and built it all in one day, and then we had to hide it overnight,” she said.
“We had to send our other son to his grandparents’ house as well so he would accidentally ruin the surprise.
“But we got there and he was very surprised … he loves it, even know he’s still out there every spare moment he has.”
The cubby house was fully stocked out with a kitchen, seating, toys, a barista machine and cupcakes, while Marley also got to share the moment with Captain Starlight.
Kellie said the family was grateful for the support from the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
“This was something that we could never have done for Marley ourselves, so it was very special to have that support,” she said.
“Things like this wouldn’t come about without these charities, who do great work to help kids like Marley forget about what’s going on for a little while.”
Marley’s wish was one of the first the foundation was able to grant this holiday season and the Starlight Children’s Foundation is calling for support to grant more.
It is calling for help to raise $1.7 million to grant over 266 life-changing Starlight Wishes to sick kids this Christmas.
To help give happiness to sick kids this Christmas, visit starlight.org.au/Christmas
