Starlight Wishes provide a welcome distraction from the stress of hospitalisation and treatment, lifting the spirits of those who are sick and bringing families together.

Over the course of its 28 years, Starlight has granted nearly 9,500 unique wishes for sick kids across the country, covering a variety of travel, hero, experience and gift wish requests.

Angus, 15, Mitchell, 22, Dane, 7, and Susannah, 8 are just some of the kids and young people who have, or will have their wishes granted over the festive season.

This week Angus from Melbourne met Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull – a dream come true for the teenager who suffers from cystic fibrosis and received a lung transplant last year as part of ongoing treatment. He has a keen interest in politics and has long admired the PM for his wealth of knowledge and success in business.

Mitchell from Sydney, an aviation enthusiast, was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year and after enduring months of extensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy was awarded a surprise internship with Virgin Australia, Starlight’s official Wishgranting partner, to kick start his career in aviation.

On the NSW south coast, Dane, who suffers from Quad Cerebral Palsy, will receive a custom-made beach wheelchair so he can enjoy the simple pleasure of joining his friends and family at the beach. His mum Sally says it will have a life-changing impact on Dane who currently lives just minutes from the beach but is unable to enjoy it due to his current wheelchair’s limitations.

Next week, Susannah from Hobart will have her dream to dance with the Australian Ballet come true. Susannah suffers from cerebral palsy but loves and attends ballet classes. Susannah’s face lights up and her whole body relaxes when she is watching and listening to music and dance, so both she and her family are excited.

Starlight CEO Louise Baxter said the festive season, usually a time for celebration and joy, can be an especially tough time for seriously ill children.

“A Starlight Wish makes dreams come true and gives these kids and their families strength, joy and something positive to look forward to during treatment.

“Starlight relies solely on the community for funding, and we need as much help as possible to help bring these once-in-a-lifetime wishes come to life,” she said.

Supporters can donate through the Starlight website (starlight.org.au) or contact Starlight to fundraise over the Christmas period.

Every Starlight Wish is unique. Starlight’s Wishgranting program covers a wide variety of wishes which support children, teenagers, and young people (up to 22 years old) who have a range of illnesses and injuries.

To make a donation and find out how you can help fulfil Starlight Wishes this Christmas, call 1300 727 827 or visit www.starlight.org.au