Gold Telethon 2017: Stars help raise almost $6m for sick children

NINE’S biggest names, including The Voice judge Kelly Rowland, helped to raise just shy of $6 million for sick kids today during a seven-hour broadcast for the network’s annual Gold Telethon.

NINE’S biggest names helped to raise just shy of $6 million for sick kids today during a seven-hour broadcast for the network’s annual Gold Telethon.

The Voice Australia coaches Kelly Rowland and Boy George joined in the effort, along with Nine’s stable of stars including Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson, Richard Wilkins, Julia Morris, Beau Ryan and Rodger Corser.

Singer Kelly Rowland meets Emma and Sarah as she supported the annual Gold Telethon today. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Boy George. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Rowland meets James Wheeler, 12, during the telethon. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The almost $6 million effort surpassed the $5.5 million raised for the hospital last year.

Rowland, who threw her support behind the worthy cause, told Confidential becoming a mum to two-year-old Titan had made her realise how vulnerable young kids are.

“I don’t think God gave me this opportunity just so I could wear a cute outfit and hold a damn microphone,” she said.

“That’s not what it’s about. I think you realise, the longer you’re here, that it’s a part of your purpose.

“I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. I had to be there.”

Sylvia Jeffreys with cancer patient Zoie Moore, 18, at the Gold Telethon. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Joining Rowland in the call for donations was newly married Today host Sylvia Jeffreys who said her five-year involvement with the hospital and telethon had taught her the “power of positivity”.

“There is always going to be a time in one’s life whether its your own child or your brother or sister or niece or nephew or grandchild when you’re going to have to call on a place like this,” she told Confidential.

“When you walk through the corridors and tour through the wards here, it really does break your heart and you want to do anything you possibly can to make any difference that is positive for them, they’re our most vulnerable people and we need to look after them.”

Great work #Teamhabib with helping raise money for the Sydney children's hospital at the @channel9 #goldtelethon @TheHabibs pic.twitter.com/t5IGAo6OX8

— Rob Shehadie (@robshehadie) June 12, 2017

Owen, 11, was just one of the children who told his story on social media.

“Meet Owen. He’s 11-years-old and has been visiting Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick since he was just three,” The Today Show posted on Instagram this morning.

“He suffers from Nephrotic Syndrome, which causes loss of protein from the kidneys and has severe effects on the body.

“He’s had more than 15 operations, including having his left kidney completely removed.

“Even though Owen will have to keep taking medication daily for his whole life, his future is looking bright and he can’t wait to settle back into school in Dubbo.

“The money raised in today’s #GoldTelethon goes towards helping kids just like Owen.”

* Donations can still be made by phoning 1800 244 537.