As a Children's Ambassador, Fairy Sparkle waves her wand over everyone she meets, improving the Hospital experience for all patients, especially our children

		A FAIRY’S TALE: WHY SHE SPARKLES To most, the idea of a grown woman dressed as a fairy 24/7 may seem a little odd. But ask sick kids around Australia about Fairy Sparkle, not to mention their parents and doctors, and they’ll call her “magic’’, “uplifting’’ and even a “Godsend’’. Former Wallaby front rower Phil Kearns has unashamedly cried in her arms and the nation’s leading paediatric doctors have shaken their head in amazement as seriously ill children rally after a visit from Fairy. “She is an extraordinary woman,” says Paul Francis, close friend and chairman of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. But just how does a woman, who was once a corporate high flier, end up as a real life children's ambassador to sick children both here and abroad? Fairy Sparkle ended up in her role as visitor, inspirer and comforter of sick children quite by accident. “I think there must have been divine intervention,” says Fairy, who is a regular fixture at the children’s hospitals around NSW, particularly in the evening when visitors have gone home. “I was working on a two-day corporate training job with a group of fairly negative 20-somethings. I just couldn’t get through to them, so I decided to do something different and on the second day dressed up as a fairy godmother. “Their response was quite profound. I talked to each of them, touched them with my wand and something went ding and they changed; they opened up and told me their dreams and wishes. “I didn’t know what to do, laugh or cry – the response was magical.’’ A lead role as a fairy in a friend’s hospital production for children was the catalyst for a career change, and in 1992, Fairy Sparkle became a full time visitor to children’s hospitals. Her commitment was complete in 1996 when she gave away all her worldly possessions and devoted her life to improving the hospital experience for young patients. Today Fairy and her cute black miniature Pomeranian "Inkling" travel around in a VW Beetle towing a small caravan she calls her Pod. Her lifestyle is nomadic with the wellness of children and their families her priority. You may think her wardrobe is a bit wacky but she says how wonderful it is to dress in magical clothes everyday. Even her cardigans and wraps have holes for her wings. Fairy Sparkle has neither medical training, nor a religious bent.   “Most of my friends thought I was totally crazy, they couldn’t cope with what I was doing. I don’t blame them, I’m not sure I could have, if I was them,’’ Fairy confides of her radical life change. “But I knew what I needed to do; it is my life's work.’’ The memories Fairy leaves with a sick child and the comfort she brings to the family and friends of a child passing are not her only legacy. Fairy is also responsible for the inspiration and completion of special gardens in eight of our hospitals so far. The latest is nearing completion at the new hospital in Orange. Fairy says "These gardens are a place for patients, families and friends and also medical staff to escape into a another world where nature too helps us heal".