Tigers light up Starlight Express

There were games, plenty of laughter, and even a spot of dancing as several Wests Tigers players entertained some special kids in the Starlight Express Room at The Children's Hospital, Westmead, on Wednesday, December 2.<br><br>In an enjoyable visit, Todd Payten, Keith Galloway, Taniela Tuiaki, Tame Tupou, Arana Taumata and David Fifita were greeted by some very excited young kids and their parents as they entered the bright world of the Starlight Express Room.<br><br>Assisted by the energetic Captain Starlight and the friendly Wests Tigers mascot, Payten and Fifita were talked into a game of Celebrity Head on stage. The two forwards smiled and laughed their way through the game, much to the joy of the kids and Tuiaki, who enjoyed the comfort of a beanbag.<br><br>Fafita soon worked out he was Ariel. Payten came close to working out he was 'Nemo' but couldn't recall the name of the fish despite asking the questions of "Am I a Clownfish to 'Did I Get Lost".<br><br>Galloway and Taumata did a special tour of a ward, handing out Wests Tigers presents to those kids who were unable to make it to the Starlight Room.<br><br>The players then signed autographs and posed for photos before Taumata revealed some fine dance moves on the floor, including his own take on the famous Moonwalk.<br><br>"It was a very rewarding visit for all of us,'' Taumata said.<br><br>"You see first hand how tough some of these kids are doing it but they are always smiling. It makes you realise how lucky you are.<br><br>"I wish all of the kids the very best and I hope to get back to the Starlight Room soon."<br><br>Wests Tigers encourages members to support the Starlight Christmas Appeal by donating online and sending a special 'Message of Hope' to all seriously ill children in hospital.<br><br>Starlight's children's entertainer, Captain Starlight will ensure the 'Messages of Hope' will reach sick kids in all our Starlight Express Rooms and at their bedsides. Captain Starlight will create 'Christmas Paper Chains' with the kids, writing the messages of hope on each link and then decorating the Starlight Express Rooms.<br><br>Seriously ill children and their families, who will have to spend the Christmas period in hospital can then read all the positive messages and know that the community is thinking of them during this difficult time.<br><br>To donate or to find out more about Starlight's Christmas appeal visit <a href="www.starlight.org.au">www.starlight.org.au</a> or call 1300 727 827.