TV thrillseeker in awe
Edwina Bartholomew has done some pretty adventurous stuff in her time, but she says a couple of special Perth kids have far more guts and determination than she can imagine.
The Sunrise weather presenter and Dancing With The Stars co-host is in Perth for Telethon and took time out to meet the real stars of the charity event: West Australian children who will benefit from millions of dollars raised this weekend.
The TV personality, who has "dangled" from a helicopter over crocodile-infested waters while announcing weather updates, said meeting this year's faces of Telethon – Emily Prior and Patrick Majewski – made her realise how courageous and funny children could be in the face of adversity.
"I asked Emily how many interviews she had done as the Telethon child and she said ‘one-million one-thousand' so I think they are definitely media experts now," she said.
It was delightful to see Emily and Patrick laughing and having fun instead of focusing on their regular visits to Princess Margaret Hospital.
"Pat was giving Emily a little ride on his cool motorbike attachment that he has for his wheelchair and she was loving it," Bartholomew said.
"I think she considered herself a real biker chick, much to her mother's dismay.
"I'm always surprised by kids who face such adversity but just get on with being a kid.
"It's amazing to see the resilience of kids who spend so much of their life in hospital."
Bartholomew is thrilled to be able to take part in her third Telethon weekend and said West Australians' generosity and support for the event always impressed her.
The appeal kicks off today. Visit telethon.7perth.com.au for details.
