Surprise Cowboys visit brightens up Easter for dozens of Townsville children’s ward patients

With Easter right around the corner, many families will be spending the holiday at Townsville University Hospital. But the North Queensland Cowboys were determined to make the stay a little bit better.

Harper Shea, 5, receives Easter treats from Cowboys players Murray Taulagi, Viliami Vailea and Robert Derby at the Children's Ward, Townsville University Hospital. Picture: Shae Beplate.

The North Queensland Cowboys made a surprise visit to Townsville University Hospital’s children’s ward this morning to spread Easter cheer.

With bunny ears on their heads, the players went bed to bed handing out Easter eggs and spending time with the children and their families, hoping to brighten up their hospital stay.

Winger Robert Derby said he jumped at the opportunity to visit the hospital as part of Cowboys in Capes.

“I think it’s great seeing the kids, putting a smile on their faces and giving back to the community,” he said.

“A lot of them are pretty ecstatic, they’re obviously going through a tough time at the moment and it’s good to see them smiling.”

Nate Melori, 10, receives Easter treats from Cowboys players Murray Taulagi, Robert Derby and Viliami Vailea at the Children's Ward, Townsville University Hospital. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Faces lit up as Derby, centre Viliami Vailea and winger Murray Taulagi passed through the ward, signed shirts and handed out gifts.

Derby said Wednesday’s event was his second hospital visit, and he hopes to be back soon.

“It’s always good to give back, and sometimes you put memories in their lives that will last for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Rebecca Faunt and her son Cooper travelled from Cairns for his treatment, she said it warmed her heart to see him with the Cowboys.

“He’s loved it, he was waiting all morning for them to get here after we found out they were coming, so he’s having a great time,” she said.

“It’s been really nice to have something to brighten him up a bit, something that’s made a tough trip a little bit easier being away from home.”

Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton said it’s more important than ever to brighten up patients and families during Easter.

“It’s been so wonderful today to be able to give that extra surprise and that extra bit of care by having the Cowboys here giving out Easter eggs,” she said.

“This gets to be that extra bit of brightening to help them through a troubled time and take their mind off their pain.”

Originally published as Surprise Cowboys visit brightens up Easter for dozens of Townsville children’s ward patients