Starlight Ambassador since 2011
"Starlight does incredible work putting smiles on little kids' faces. As soon as they walk into the Starlight Express Room, their worlds changes a little bit. They can enjoy themselves and it takes their minds off being in hospital." - Hayden Quinn
Hayden became a household name in 2011 as a contestant on MasterChef Australia. Since then, he has become one of Australia's favourite media personalities.
His connection with Starlight began as a child when his sister Madi was diagnosed with leukaemia and was granted her Starlight Wish. For Madi's wish, Hayden's family flew to Queensland for a much-needed break from hospital.
"When Madi received her Starlight Wish it gave us the chance to be away together as a family. It was the trip of a lifetime for three young kids and made our family feel 'normal' again after years of stress and worry," he said.
Hayden has been a proud and enthusiastic Starlight Ambassador since 2011. Over the years he has generously given his time to support Starlight's programs including the opening of the refurbished Starlight Express Room at the Children's Hospital at Westmead in 2016.
"All you have to do is walk into one of the Starlight Express Rooms to see what an impact it has. Kids are smiling and laughing and enjoying themselves away from their hospital beds, it's incredible to see." - Hayden Quinn
Hayden has also supported Starlight Day events and helped out at a special "hospital graduation" ceremony for young people at the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick. Hayden has also generously donated his time through auctioning off auction prizes at our signature fundraising events Star Ball and Starlight Five Chef Dinners.
Alongside this, he has lent his support to our Sugar Free Me fundraising challenge and produced gift recipes to raise funds and awareness for Starlight at Christmas.
We are so thankful to Hayden for his generous, long-term support helping sick kids and teens!
ABOUT: Since being a contestant on MasterChef, Hayden has become a much-loved face on Australian television, seen each Saturday and Sunday on his weekly show Taste of Australia with Hayden Quinn (4:30pm on Ten). He has written cookbooks and is a regular contributor to delicious magazine and taste.com.au. For all his recipes and more visit www.haydenquinn.com.au.