NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has pledged $25,000 to help launch Superhero Week - Bear Cottage’s largest community fundraising appeal.

Minister Park joined children, their families and staff at Bear Cottage’s annual Superhero Week Party to celebrate the bravery and courage of kids with life-limiting illnesses.

“I am proud of the exceptional care provided to children and their families at Bear Cottage and humbled to see the superhuman strength, bravery and resilience these families show every day,” Mr Park said.

“Every year Bear Cottage supports more than 250 families, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing support, respite and end-of-life care to children from right across NSW and beyond.

“This facility provides a home away from home, helping families create precious memories with their children that can be treasured for a lifetime.

“It is wonderful to work in partnership with the community to provide this invaluable service to the children and families who need it most.”

The Superhero Week Party is a chance to celebrate the strength and bravery of children living with life-limiting illnesses and their families, while officially marking the launch of Superhero Week.

The day will include a Superhero Awards ceremony, with every Bear Cottage patient receiving a bravery medal presented by NSW Fire and Rescue Assistant Commissioner Greg Penney.

Minister Park will also present the Superhero Award for 2023 – which recognises a team member who has made a significant impact at Bear Cottage and has used their superhero powers to support the children and their families.

The day will also include visits from Batman, Captain America, Wonder Woman and Spiderman as well as local community heroes from the NSW Police Force and NSW Fire and Rescue.

Superhero Week is held from 23 – 29 July and this year aims to raise $250,000 in essential funds for Bear Cottage.

Bear Cottage is part of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and, cares for newborn infants to older adolescents, in line with the patient cohort of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.

Together with the newly established Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, the service is an important part of the NSW Government’s commitment to provide palliative care support for children and young people.