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Telethon 2021: Little stars thank West Aussies who dug deep to raise record-breaking $62 million

Headshot of Kate Purnell
Kate PurnellThe West Australian
Little Telethon stars Oliver Lim and Lucy Antipas.
Camera IconLittle Telethon stars Oliver Lim and Lucy Antipas. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian

The Little Telethon Stars who led the record-breaking $62 million fundraising effort last weekend say they are thrilled to have been a part of Telethon history.

West Australians dug deep to raise money for the State’s sick kids, bringing the total to more than $400m over the past 54 years.

Little Telethon Stars Oliver Lim and Lucy Antipas were very appreciative of the kindness and generosity of the WA public and said they couldn’t have been happier to get involved.

Eight-year-old Lucy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just 18 months old.

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And before turning two, Oliver was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and has had to go through numerous rounds of chemotherapy.

“Thank you to all who raised money, every cent helps,” Lucy said.

This year’s incredible fundraising drive marked the 12th consecutive year Telethon achieved a record-breaking result.

The weekend spectacle — which saw the return of the much-loved 26-hour broadcast — featured a range of live acts and celebrity appearances.

Oliver said Telethon was a “wonderful experience of excitement”.

“I was thrust into a whirlwind of acts and performances. I loved every second of it,” he said.

He said a stand-out was getting to meet Premier Mark McGowan and comedian Rove McManus.

“I really liked meeting Rove, he was a very funny and really genuine person. I liked the way he made us all laugh onstage,” Oliver said.

Lucy enjoyed meeting Telethon’s loveable Fat Cat the most.

Other performers included Fremantle indie pop stars San Cisco, who made their Telethon debut, as well as live acts from the Ten Tenors, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse. AFL stars Nat Fyfe and Nic Naitanui also joined the line-up.

Oliver said his favourite moment was when the final result was announced and he knew he was playing a part in Telethon history.

“I would like to say thank you (to the people who helped raise money). I am appreciative of your generosity and kindness to raise so much for sick kids,” the 14-year-old said.

Telethon said the mammoth total raised meant it could support more charity beneficiaries than ever before. Telethon supported 65 organisations that aid sick, disadvantaged and vulnerable WA children with the amount raised in 2020.

The Little Telethon stars said they really enjoyed the opportunity to meet other sick kids and be a part of the fundraising effort.

“As a sick kid myself, I know what its like to be a medical mystery and I would like to know that I have helped other kids like me who have this condition,” Oliver said.

Lucy said the other children were a lot of fun to hang out with.

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