Australian Paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole visited Sydney’s Ronald McDonald House on Friday to meet a 10-year-old girl who was being treated for sarcoma.
Her visit came ahead of McHappy Day on Saturday, the annual fundraiser that helps seriously ill children.
Ellie, 31, was all smiles as she posed with young Isabella and took part in some fun activities with the youngster, including completing a jigsaw puzzle.
Cole, whose right leg was amputated due to cancer when she was two, said she was excited to give back to the organization that had done so much for her.
“Ronald McDonald House provided me and my family with a refuge during those difficult times,” she said in a statement.
Australian Paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole, 31, (right) visited Sydney’s Ronald McDonald House on Friday to meet a 10-year-old girl (left) who was being treated for sarcoma
“It’s such a privilege to be able to give back and support other families going through similar challenges in the run-up to McHappy Day.”
Barbara Ryan, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, added: “It was so special to see Ellie Cole meet families staying at RMHC.
“There were many heartfelt moments and sharing of stories and we thank her for lending her voice to help us raise these much-needed funds.”
The swimming champion’s visit took place ahead of Saturday’s McHappy Day, the well-known annual fundraiser that helps sick children
Ellie was all smiles as she posed with young Isabella and took part in some fun activities with the youngster, including completing a jigsaw puzzle
RMHC provides sick children and their families a home away from home while they receive treatment at nearby hospitals.
The charity has 18 homes across Australia and provides shelter to almost 10,000 families every year.
At the age of two, Ellie had her right leg amputated after a devastating diagnosis of neurosarcoma cancer.
Cole, whose right leg was amputated due to cancer when she was two, said she was excited to give back to the organization that had done so much for her.
RMHC provides sick children and their families a home away from home while they receive treatment at nearby hospitals
Eight weeks after the amputation, she started swimming as part of her rehabilitation and fell in love with the sport.
She has worked hard to prove that her disability is no barrier to greatness and has since won fifteen Paralympic swimming medals, including six golds.
Australians can support McHappy Day on November 18 by purchasing a Big Mac from their local McDonalds, with two dollars from each purchase going to charity, or donate directly here.
The charity has 18 homes across Australia and provides shelter to almost 10,000 families every year
