A super effort from these Super Kids
2025-06-19
The tenth year of SuperKids SuperHeroes (SKSH) is on track to be our best yet, with over $24,000 raised for childhood cancer research at the time of writing.
WA Football and their legion of little AFL stars wore capes and eyemasks last month to raise funds for The Kids’ Cancer Project in memory of Declan Kane, who tragically passed away from neuroblastoma in 2017.
A number of WA Football-associated clubs are yet to hold their fundraisers, including Bridgetown Football Club, whose charity round will be held in early August. Dr Raelene Endersby, formerly funded by The Kids’ Cancer Project, is due to speak at the event.
While fundraising will continue until the end of the year, the $24,000 already raised pushes the ten-year total of SKSH to over $450,000, the equivalent of what it costs to fund follow-up care for up to 30 children after cancer treatment, covering essential medical and psychological support.
SKSH Founder and Declan’s father, Simon Kane, is ecstatic with the outcome to this point.
"What a year for SKSH Auskick round for 2025! Each year this fundraiser continues to grow, and my family and I could not be prouder,” he says.
“With more and more clubs participating, we’re going from strength to strength. We’re a long way off from our final total, but we can’t wait to see where we end up!”
The Kids’ Cancer Project CEO, Owen Finegan, made the journey west to attend the charity round in person. Echoing Simon’s sentiments, Owen says he is grateful to the entire WA Football contingent who have dug deep for Australian kids with cancer.
“Grassroots fundraising is at the very core of The Kids' Cancer Project’s DNA,” he says.
“SuperKids SuperHeroes embodies that community fundraising spirit, engaging with children and adults alike to raise vital funds for Aussie researchers intent on raising childhood cancer survival rates from 86% all the way to 100.
“It was an absolute pleasure to be in attendance for SuperKids SuperHeroes on its ten-year anniversary. I’m so grateful to the Kane’s for their friendship, but most importantly their selfless desire to raise funds for childhood cancer research in memory of Declan’s passing.”
WA Football have played a crucial role in ensuring SKSH’s success this year, engaging with local clubs and promoting the event via their extensive network in the west. Michelle Sewell, WA Football’s Participation Specialist, says events like SuperKids SuperHeroes are extremely important to the entire Western Australian AFL community.
“The biggest highlight is always seeing the SuperHeroes interact with the junior clubs at the host venues and running out with them at Optus Stadium—it’s such a special moment.
“I consider myself lucky and honoured to be a part of this charity and being a part of Simon (Kane) and Kim’s lives. They are truly the most incredible people who I am lucky to call friends.
“Now having a bond with The Kids Cancer Project also, it is amazing seeing firsthand where the money goes and who it touches. WA Football is all about community and kids participating in AFL, so what a perfect chance to see kids supporting kids who aren’t as lucky as them.”
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