Telethon 2025: Former stars pass the baton to Little Telethon Stars, sharing words of wisdom and advice

Little Telethon Stars past and present gathered at Perth Children’s Hospital on Thursday as former stars passed on their words of wisdom in the lead up to the 26-hour mega fundraiser.

Now just four weeks away, Little Telethon Stars Jordan Blair, 9, Izzy Miller, 5, Xavier Summers, 8, and Paige McIllree, 8, met with some past stars of WA’s favourite fundraiser to hang out, do some filming for Telethon, and soak in all the advice and well-wishes on offer.

Chatting amongst themselves or roving around the playground out the front of Perth Children’s Hospital, many recalled fond memories of their time as stars.

Now age 10, 2022 Little Telethon Star Ari Phillips said recording the big day at Telethon was “very fun” for he and his co-stars, Emily Siew and Leo Beazley.

“Telethon was really fun, (it was great) getting to see everyone smile everywhere you go,” he said.

Emily, now 11, agreed that broadcast day was the most fun.

“I enjoyed getting up there (on stage) to speak,” she said.

Ari led his own fundraiser this year, with a crazy headwear day at school. He raised more than $1000 for Telethon.

And his number one piece of advice for this year’s Little Telethon Stars?

“Keep smiling, don’t ever stop.”

Another star who left his mark on the hearts of West Aussies, dapper suit and bowtie to boot, 2021 star Oliver Lim continues to share his lived experience as he enters adulthood.

The now 18-year-old has become an advocate for children and young people with rare and chronic health conditions. He was recently appointed deputy chair of the Child and Adolescent Health Service’s Youth Advisory Group.

Oliver advised Jordan, Izzy, Xavier and Paige to just “enjoy the ride”.

“And also steal as much candy and mentos as you can from the green room!” he said with a grin.

Almost one year on from her time as a Little Telethon Star, 10-year-old Charlee Hosking still remembers how much fun she had on the golf fundraising day.

And she’s sure this year’s stars will also “have a lot of fun”.

Telethon veteran Nora Holly, a 2020 star, said one of her best memories was a high tea at Crown Perth with her fellow stars and then premier Mark McGowan.

The 10-year-old with a shock of long red hair shared a special moment with five-year-old Izzy on Thursday.

Nora was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at age three, the same type of aggressive childhood cancer that Izzy is battling.

With a knowing look exchanged between the two, Nora’s advice for this year’s stars came with words of encouragement and kindness.

“Keep dreaming, and I hope that you achieve all your goals this year,” she said.