Good Friday Appeal funds to reach the regions

For the first time funding from the Good Friday Appeal will be distributed via The Royal Children’s Hospital to five regional pediatric health services across Victoria.

Amelia Pinchbeck from Bendigo loves her running, basketball, music and her friends, and is already a strong advocate for her disability.

Amelia, 7, was diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, a condition caused by damage to the part of the brain that controls muscle movements, causing paralysis on one side of her body.

“Amelia was diagnosed at 10 months old, and was quickly referred to the Victoria pediatric rehab service at Bendigo Health, so she was actively receiving rehab here before she was a year old,” said her mum, Jennifer Pinchbeck.

Jennifer Pinchbeck with daughter Amelia, 7, and son Memphis, 9. Picture: David Caird

With many visits to the hospital already in her young life, Amelia’s determinate has her “absolutely flourishing”.

“In the last 12 months she has had two major orthopaedic procedures – one on her upper limb and one on her lower lib, which has allowed her to do more than we ever thought was possible,” Mrs Pinchbeck said.

“She’s become so confident, developed more friendships groups … and is proud of and advocates quite heavily for her disability.”

The Pinchbecks were one of several families on site at Bendigo Hospital, along with Premier Jacinta Allan and Good Friday Appeal chairman Penny Fowler, to launch the Good Friday Appeal for 2024, which for the first time will begin to distribute funds via The Royal Children’s Hospital to five regional pediatric health services across Victoria.

Barwon Health, Grampians Health, Bendigo Health, Goulburn Valley Health and Latrobe Regional Health will all receive funding under the new announcement.

“We’ve always been big supporters of the Good Friday Appeal for the work they’ve done with the children, but the generosity to branch out to the region, it’s a blessing,” Ms Pinchbeck said.

“We will fund equipment, training, scholarships, and enhance a partnership between our world class children’s hospital and regional health services,” said Ms Fowler.

“This will help families access the excellence of The Royal Children’s Hospital and help families receive care closer to home.”

Good Friday Appeal chairman Penny Fowler and Premier Jacinta Allan were on site for the announcement. Picture: David Caird

Ms Allan said the RCH sat in the heart of so many in the Victorian community.

“If you can receive that care closer to where you live, where you do have your own personal family and friendships and network of support, it does make it that little bit easier,” she said.

The Good Friday Appeal began in 1931 at a sports carnival, and has grown to raise more than $444 million in total and $23 million in 2023.