Cheeky kids being treated at the Royal Children’s Hospital captured

Photographer Jay Town shares his special approach to the annual Good Friday Appeal picture and why he tries to capture the child’s cheeky and hopeful personality.

Rory Berry wearing a Superman costume at his Hamlyn Heights home. Picture: Jay Town

When veteran photographer Jay Town walks the wards of Parkville’s Royal Children’s Hospital with his camera, he’s looking for something special to tug at the hearts of Victorians.

“You’re looking for a kid who personifies what the hospital is all about,” Town says.

“They’re unfortunately sick, but full of hope and on the mend. You’re hoping the picture shows the hope and the possibilities of a good outcome.”

Despina Sarri back home after cardiac surgery. Picture: Jay Town

Matilda Hutton-Latham playing in the Kookaburra Playroom. Picture: Jay Town

Town has covered eight Good Friday Appeals for the Herald Sun, which includes being based at the RCH every day for five weeks in the lead up to Easter.

One of his most powerful photos this year was of Despina Sarri (above), which showed the “zipper” scar running down the one-year-old’s chest as evidence of the series of operations for a one-in-a-million heart condition.

George Davidson, 17 months. Picture: Jay Town

This picture took out the front page on Good Friday in April when this year’s appeal raised a record $18.1 million.

Oscar Rose five years after his stay in the RCH. Picture: Jay Town

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The appeal assignment involves being fly-on-the-wall in hospital rooms and operating theatres for some of the most heartbreaking moments families will ever experience, but also to capture moments of against-the-odds recoveries and surgical success.

“It’s such a privilege to be able to see that and cover it,” Town says.

“Covering the Good Friday Appeal for me is the most important thing I can do all year.”