Cowboys raise spirits of children in hospital school
North Queensland Toyota Cowboys players Griffin Neame and Murray Taulagi received a lesson in resilience when they visited the Townsville University Hospital children’s ward and primary school earlier this week.
The players helped bring joy and smiles to sick children, and their siblings and families as part of the Cowboys in Capes program, proudly presented by Sun Metals.
The visit was delivered in collaboration with Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation and also had the added benefit of boosting the morale of hospital staff.
“The children’s ward has been overwhelmed in the last few days, we’ve seen more than 33 children and today we still had 20 children here,” said Brighter Lives CEO Stephanie Naunton.
“So, to have Murray and Griffin visit, be here for the children and their families and be part of the community here has meant so much to them, and it lifted the spirits of our doctors and nurses too,” Stephanie said.
“Not many people know we have a hospital school and for the Cowboys to drop in and say hi to the children in their classroom has been so wonderful and I think also a personal favourite of the teachers.”
Taulagi and Neame, along with representatives from Sun Metals, conducted bed-side visits throughout the children’s ward, signing autographs, taking photos and giving away some goodies before stopping in at the school.
“We don’t know what the kids in the hospital have been through so it’s just about coming in and listening to their stories and trying to make them forget about why they’re here for a little while, and put a smile on their faces,” Taulagi said.
Both players said visiting sick children and their families is one of the most rewarding roles they play in the community outside of what they do on the footy field.
“After a game like on the weekend you don’t feel too great, you’re a bit sad and upset and coming in here and realising what the kids have been through and what they’re going through, makes you see you’re not in such a bad position. They help us as much as we can help them,” Neame said.
For Cowboys in Capes first-timer, Sun Metals Operator Jarrod, it’s something he was proud to be part of.
“This is a new experience for me, I didn’t really know what to expect but I feel happy afterwards, just seeing the smiles on their faces, I feel like I’ve done something good for the community,” he said.
