Ed Sheeran’s plea for Good Friday Appeal as ‘a new dad’

Ed Sheeran has thrown his support behind the Good Friday Appeal, drawing on his experiences as a new dad.

Pop titan Ed Sheeran has thrown has superstar support behind the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

“Back in 2015, I visited the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, and I saw first-hand how amazing their work is,” Sheeran said in a video filmed earlier this week.

He added: “As a new father, I know how important it is for every child to get access to great health care. The Good Friday Appeal is a wonderful thing.”

In the video, Sheeran wore a T-shirt bearing the image of his close mate and mentor, music industry legend Michael Gudinski, who died suddenly on March 2.

Sheeran, his wife Chelsea and their daughter Lyra, flew to Australia and did 14-days quarantine so they could attend Gudinski’s state memorial last week.

Sheeran’s support for the GFA, as a new father, echoes a heartbreaking tribute song he wrote for Gudinski that, lyrically speaks about life as first-time dad

The song says: “I wish that heaven had visiting hours, so I could just show, and bring the news, that she’s getting older, and I wish that you’d met her, the things that she’ll learn from me, I got them all from you.”

Ed Sheeran performs at Michael Gudinski's state memorial at Rod Laver Arena

Gudinski, who promoted Sheeran’s record-breaking concerts, never met Lyra in person. She was born last year during COVID-19 border ­closures.

Sheeran is set to depart Melbourne tomorrow after a 10-day stay.

After paying tribute with a speech and three songs at the state memorial last Wednesday, Sheeran and Gudinski’s son Matt got matching tattoos.

The ink featured Michael Gudinski’s signature pose; a “number one hand” signal

Sheeran also attended a footy match at the MCG, and he and his family also visited Sorrento, on the Mornington Peninsula.

Rebecca Cowan, executive director of the Good Friday Appeal said: “We are thrilled to have the support from Ed Sheeran for the (appeal’s) 90th year. His words are humbling and ring true to the whole community.”

Sheeran’s video message added: “Please donate if you can spare $5 or $10.”

The Herald Sun is a principal partner of the Good Friday Appeal.