Cubby wish granted
GROVEDALE five-year-old Marley Reddington spent the first 180 of his days of life in hospital.
Marley was born premature, at only 24 weeks, and doctors did not know if he would survive.
Mum Kellie Reddington said this had impacted “every system in his body” and was still expected to reduce his life expectancy.
But Marley has defied the expectations of doctors and, despite multiple stints in hospital, has grown into a playful, loving boy who enjoys spending time with his brother, Judson.
“We’ve learned to enjoy every day and make the most of it,” Ms Reddington said. “We’ve had a number of touch-and-go moments.”
The coronavirus pandemic has been tough on the family because Marley remained vulnerable and was unable to attend kindergarten for the best part of two years.
He was granted a wish by the Starlight Children’s Foundation and wanted to go on a holiday interstate.
But border restrictions made that impossible.
Instead, Marley opted to be given a cubby house where he could play with his brother and spend time outdoors without the health risks of a public place.
The wish was a complete surprise for him as the Starlight Children’s Foundation recently worked on a sneaky installation in the background while he was out at appointments.
Ms Reddington said the cubby house was a wonderful surprise for Marley, who has only just returned to kinder.
“It’s allowed a space for Marley to play with his brother and have fun and get out of being inside,” she said.
“Due to quarantine he gets a bit upset inside.
“It’s nice, too, the cubby house, if it’s a bit cold they can still go outside and it gives us a bit of a break.”
Ms Reddington said she and Marley’s dad, Steve, were very proud of their son.
“He doesn’t let anything hold him back, he is such a friendly little boy and he just keeps going, no matter the situation,” she said.
Ms Reddington thanked the Starlight Foundation.
“We’re very grateful for everything that they’ve done for us,” she said.
“It’s the little things – it’s that smile that it put on their faces and gives us the warm feeling that makes everything so much better.”
Starlight Children’s Foundation chief executive Louise Baxter called on Australians to help raise $1.7m to grant more than 266 life-changing Starlight Wishes to more sick kids this Christmas.
“During this special time of year, there are no less sick kids,” Ms Baxter said.
“In fact, there are more than 1000 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.”