Brave duo set to inspire Victorians in the 93rd Good Friday Appeal

A toddler with spina bifida and a 10-year-old fighting brain cancer are the inspirational faces of the 93rd Good Friday Appeal.

Two of Victoria’s bravest little fighters are set to inspire Victorians to open their hearts and wallets as the 93rd Good Friday Appeal kicks off on Friday.

The Herald Sun can reveal Emily Cooke, 10, who is fighting brain cancer, and Finley Every, 2, who has spina bifida, are the inspirational faces of this year’s Good Friday Appeal.

Over the next five weeks, thousands of Victorians will rattle tins, bake cakes, buy raffle tickets, host fundraisers and empty piggy banks for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

This year is extra special, with the Good Friday Appeal for the first time giving $2.5m to Barwon Health, Grampians Health, Bendigo Health, Goulburn Valley Health and ­Latrobe Regional Health.

Finley Every, 2, and Emily Cooke, 10, are the faces of this year’s Good Friday Appeal. Picture: David Caird

The regional cash splash will ensure sick kids can be treated close to home, reduce waiting times and lead to better medical outcomes.

The bulk of the funds raised will continue to support the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Last year, the Good Friday Appeal raised a record-breaking tally of $23,061,320.

Since 1931, the appeal has raised more than $444 million thanks to generous Victorians from every far-flung corner of the state and donations both big and small.

Good Friday Appeal chairman Penny Fowler said the fundraiser was all about everyone giving whatever they could.

“Every dollar makes a difference,” she said.

This year’s appeal will focus on boosting funding for regional healthcare. Picture: David Caird

Royal Children’s Hospital chief executive Bernadette McDonald said the Good Friday Appeal ensured the hospital could continue offering kids the best possible specialist care.

“What the Good Friday Appeal demonstrates to us is the confidence and trust that the community has in us in providing that care,” she said.

“And it just is always a little overwhelming to see that confidence and trust come through with people raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“So it really is a very, very special time for us.”

One of the biggest contributors to the appeal is the much-loved Run for the Kids fun run through the city, which has raised more than $21.6m since its sensational debut in 2006.

One simple new way to help this year is to opt to donate the 10 cent per item refund to the appeal when dropping off cans, cartons and bottles through the new Container Deposit Scheme.

On Good Friday, Channel 7 will host a live broadcast and families are invited to the Kids Day Out, in its 10th year at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.