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BIG
WRAP: Sailors from HMAS Parramatta received a warm welcome
when they visited Westmead Hospital.
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Photo:
ABPH Helen Frank
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By
LCDR Mick Gallagher
No
sooner had HMAS Parramatta (CMDR Mike Noonan) secured alongside
at FBE for Christmas leave than some 12 members of her ship’s
company including the CO travelled to Westmead Childrens Hospital.
The ship had spent some months away on Op Relex and the small
contingent was then able to visit the sponsored children of the
ship’s charity The Kids Initiative.
“I think it is pretty special that our sailors have volunteered
to delay the reunion with their families in order to visit the
children’s hospital first,” WEEO LCDR Martin Charles said.
LSSN Jodie Greaves made it a family affair and arrived with her
husband and son.
“It was absolutely heart warming to meet the children and see
their courage,” XO LCDR Justin Jones said.
The sailors who arrived with their Santa bags mingled with the
children and distributed over $500 worth of Christmas presents.
“I helped give out presents to the kids.
It was awesome just to put a smile on their face,” LSBM Eddie
Yandell said.
At the children’s hospital the visitors were ushered into the
Starlight Room with its many entertainment games for the children.
Here they were forced to stage the song YMCA complete with actions.
The CO was interviewed by Captain Starlight which was viewed live
on the hospital’s CCTV.
Various ship events had been held to raise money for the children.
These included Melbourne Cup Day, a casino night, beard growing
and head shaving.
“When the guys had raised $500 for the beard growing I decided
I would call in the bet and have my head shaved,” COSEC POWTR
Helen Latham said.
