Swimart grants Starlight Wish for a seriously ill Queensland boy

Teaming up with S.R. Smith, a world leader in swimming pool deck equipment, the 'Typhoon' slide was installed for William (surname withheld) at his home in Bahrs Scrub, much to the delight of the seven-year-old.

“We wanted to keep the costs down for the Starlight Foundation and William’s family, so we assembled and installed the slide for free,” says Swimart Browns Plains store manager, Brad Austin.

William, who was present throughout the installation process, couldn’t contain his joy.

“For a kid that’s crook, he’s got a bit of cheek,” Brad jests. “The slide is 2.2 metres high, so as he climbed the stairs he got a bit nervous. But after a couple of minutes his mum helped him down the slide, then after that you couldn’t keep him off it.”

Brad, who recently became a father, says it was a truly heartwarming experience.

“It’s not always about making money,” he says. “In this case it was about making William – and his family – smile. I don’t think I’ve had a happier customer.”

Swimart and S.R. Smith team up to support The Starlight Children’s Foundation  

The Starlight Children’s Foundation relies on the generous support of businesses like Swimart Browns Plains to help brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

“Sometimes the smallest of wishes can make the world of difference to a young person’s life,” says Starlight Children’s Foundation Wish Experience Coordinator Stacey Hubert.

“What was so beautiful about William’s wish was that something as simple as a pool slide, which might not mean much to you or me, totally made his year. That was a big dream that came true for him and something he will be able to use every day for years to come.”

William’s mother Kylie says she has not been able to wipe the smile off her son’s face since the slide was installed and is very appreciative of what Swimart and S.R. Smith have done for her little boy.

“We are having a hard time getting him out of the pool and off the slide – he has very wrinkled fingers and toes,” she says. “William said: ‘this is the best present ever’, and he has been giving the slide kisses.”