Kids put Perth Scorchers through their paces.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Kids put Perth Scorchers through their paces.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Perth Scorchers players swapped cricket drills for rehab-inspired challenges at the redeveloped WACA Ground last week, as courageous WA kids living with serious health conditions put them through their paces.
Fast bowlers Lance Morris and Mahli Beardman joined spinners Lilly Mills and Amy Edgar for the special training session, marking the Club’s renewed partnership with PCHF, and its continued support of the Foundation’s annual Tax Appeal.
Living with conditions ranging from cancer and Type 1 diabetes to hearing loss and mobility challenges, PCHF Ambassador Kids led the players through a series of balance, resistance and coordination exercises inspired by their own rehabilitation journeys.
Funds raised through the Appeal will support Kids Rehab WA at PCH, helping support specialised therapy, equipment and world-class rehabilitation programs for kids across the state.
Donations to the PCHF Tax Appeal are open until June 30
“It was tougher than I thought!” Lilly Mills said. “The kids like to put you through your paces. I think every time you’re bossed around by a kid, it puts you back into your humble boots, that’s for sure!”
For Lance Morris, who is continuing his return to full fitness following back surgery, the day offered some valuable perspective.
“It’s been pretty cool today to see some kids that are going through a bit of a tough time at the moment rocking up with a big smile on their faces and really enjoying themselves,” Morris said.
“As sportspeople, we occasionally go through rehabs and setbacks, but that doesn’t compare to what these kids are going through. The energy they brought along today, you can see how happy they are and what it means to be out playing with their friends. It’s pretty special to see.”
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said the program’s impact goes far beyond the physical.
“Rehabilitation gives children the opportunity to experience childhood milestones again, whether that’s taking their first steps, throwing a ball or writing their name,” Mr Robinson said.
“Play-based recovery, like we’ve seen here today, is so important when it comes to helping kids regain their movement, independence, confidence and overall quality of life.”
“We’re so grateful to again partner with the Perth Scorchers this season, with the team playing a vital role in helping us create positive, memorable experiences for kids recovering from major health challenges.”
“It’s super important, the partnership we have with PCHF,” Mills said. “It’s been ongoing for a few years now and I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of a few of these days. To see the smiles on the kids’ faces and for us to show them what a day in the life of a Scorcher is like is pretty cool.”
“It’s a super important cause. Nobody likes to see sick kids and every donation counts. As Perth Scorchers, we’re getting behind them and it’d be great if everyone else can.”
The Ambassador Kids were also treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the upgraded WACA Ground, taking in the strength and conditioning areas, the gym and the new 10-lane indoor cricket centre, capping off a morning that left an impression on players and Ambassador Kids alike.