Australian Paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole visited Ronald McDonald House in Sydney on Friday to meet a 10-year-old girl being treated for sarcoma.
Her visit came ahead of McHappy Day on Saturday, the annual fundraiser which helps seriously ill children.
Ellie, 31, was all smiles as she posed with young Isabella and took part in some fun activities with the youngster including completing a jigsaw puzzle.
Cole, whose right leg was amputated due to cancer when she was two, said she was thrilled to give something back to the organisation which had done so much for her.
‘Ronald McDonald House provided a haven for me and my family during those tough times,’ she said in a statement.
Australian Paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole, 31, (right) visited Ronald McDonald House in Sydney on Friday to meet a 10-year-old girl (left) being treated for sarcoma
‘Being able to give back and support other families going through similar struggles, in the lead up to McHappy Day, is such a privilege.’
Barbara Ryan, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia, added: ‘It has been so special having Ellie Cole meet with families staying at RMHC.
‘There were plenty of heartfelt moments and exchanging of stories and we thank her for lending her voice to help us raise these much-needed funds.’
The swimming champion’s visit came ahead of McHappy Day on Saturday, the renowned annual fundraiser which helps sick children
Ellie was all smiles as she posed with young Isabella and took part in some fun activities with the youngster including completing a jigsaw puzzle
RMHC provides a home away from home for sick children and their families as they are treated at nearby hospitals.
The charity has 18 houses across Australia and accommodates close to 10,000 families on an annual basis.
At the age of two, Ellie had her right leg amputated after a devastating neuro-sarcoma cancer diagnosis.
Cole, whose right leg was amputated due to cancer when she was two, said she was thrilled to give something back to the organisation which had done so much for her
RMHC provides a home away from home for sick children and their families as they are treated at nearby hospitals
Eight weeks after the amputation, she took up swimming as part of her rehabilitation and fell in love with the sport.
She has worked hard to prove her disability is no barrier to greatness and has since gone on to win 15 Paralympic swimming medals, including six golds.
Australian’s can support McHappy Day on November 18 by buying a Big Mac from their local McDonalds, with two dollars from each purchase going to the charity, or donating directly here.
The charity has 18 houses across Australia and accommodates close to 10,000 families on an annual basis
READ MORE: The heartwarming reason why swimming legend Ellie Cole has ‘ANDY’ written on the bottom of her prosthetic foot
