CRANBOURNE’S Davidson family know all too well the importance of The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Nicole and Ashley Davidson’s son Jay, 7, has Leukaemia and they have relied on the hospital’s services throughout his treatment.
That is why Jay was named this year’s ambassador for the Good Friday Appeal’s Charity Auction House initiative, which will see a new, double-storey Henley home in Clyde’s Pasadena Estate auctioned on Good Friday.
All proceeds will be donated to The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Ms Davidson said Jay was thrilled to be this year’s ambassador for the fundraiser. She was ever-grateful for the staff at The Royal Children’s Hospital who have been by Jay’s side every step of the way.
“We moved to Melbourne from Townsville eight years ago for Ashley’s work, so we have few relatives to call on for day-to-day support,” she said.
“That’s why we are so grateful for the nurses and staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital, I cannot put into words how lucky we are to have them by our side, their hard work and dedication is incredible.
“We were an absolute mess when we found out about Jay’s diagnosis, but the nurses and doctors have been so supportive, helpful and honest when it came to addressing the hard questions and showing us the treatment plans.
“There is a support system in place for parents too, which has been wonderful for us as we don’t have much family here in Melbourne.
“I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of the nurses who go out of their way to remember your child not just as a patient but as an individual facing a massive journey.”
Jay Davidson was six years old when he was first diagnosed with Leukaemia in September last year.
After returning home from a karate lesson one Saturday afternoon, his parents noticed that his glands were swollen and thought they would take Jay to the doctor for a quick check up.
“Other than the swelling there were no other symptoms that Ashley or I noticed, but the doctor carefully assessed him and saw that a few things didn’t add up so she sent us for some blood work,” Ms Davidson said.
“By September 4 it was clear that Jay had leukaemia and needed several blood transfusions to clear his badly infected system straight away.”
The Charity Auction House initiative is a collaboration between developer, Villawood Properties and home builder, Henley Properties, to raise money for the much-loved hospital.
This is the 20th year that Henley has pledged its support for the initiative, and the fourth year in a row that Villawood Properties and Henley have teamed up in aid of the Good Friday Appeal.
Last year’s auction in Point Cook raised $605,000 for the worthy cause.
The Clyde house will go under the hammer at a no-reserve auction at 3pm on Friday 29 March.
A free family fun day will be held at Pasadena from 1pm to 4pm to help celebrate and raise more money towards the Good Friday Appeal.
The day is set to feature roving entertainers, face painters, a jumping castle and a barbeque. To register or for more information visit www.gfacharityhouse.com.au.
