Little superheroes don capes for a good cause: Muscular Dystrophy Australia National Superhero Week

Superheroes hold a special place in the hearts of child care centre staff in Adelaide’s south west, the lasting legacy of a former brave student. This week they’ll cape up for a good cause.

Our big-hearted little superheroes Amberley, 3, Lachlan, 5 and Grace, 3 are ready to use their super powers for good. Picture: Matt Loxton

They may be super cute but these little superheroes are also determined to use their super powers for good.

Amberley (aka Wonder Woman), Lachlan (aka Captain America) and Grace (aka Batwoman) will be among a group of Adelaide youngsters inspiring their local community this week to support a cause important to their suburban child care centre, in the city’s south west.

It is Muscular Dystrophy Australia’s (MDA) annual National Superhero Week, something staff and children at the Kidz @ Woodcroft early learning centre have embraced for the past few years.

Centre director Angela Eagleton says all things superheroes hold a special place in the hearts of centre staff, following the cancer diagnosis several years ago of a young student who was “totally obsessed with Batman”.

Amberley, 3 and Lachlan, 5, are ready to raise money for children with Muscular Dystrophy. Picture: Matt Loxton

“He would come dressed in a different Batman costume each day,” she said.

While the superhero-loving youngster, who is no longer at the centre, recovered from the disease, centre staff continue to fundraise to help families who are faced with the challenge of a sick child, forever touched by his battle.

Mrs Eagleton says it was the superhero aspect of the fundraiser that initially caught the interest of centre staff, with their former brave Batman student utmost in mind.

The event aims to empower children living with Muscular Dystrophy to realise their full potential and to provide them and their families with hope.

It is a life-threatening, muscle-destroying disorder that affects one in every 625 people in Australia. There is no cure and young children are most vulnerable to its severest form.

Funds raised this week will fund research at the National Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, as well as support Muscular Dystrophy Australia’s programs and services.

MDA CEO Jan Chisholm says it is heart-warming to have Woodcroft locals again support the event.

“It is a chance for children and adults alike to be that superhero they have always dreamt about while also raising funds for our programs and research, making a difference and changing attitudes,” she said.

To make a donation contact the child care centre or go to mda.org.au

Originally published as Little superheroes don capes for a good cause: Muscular Dystrophy Australia National Superhero Week